International Cuisine

Exploring the world through food.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Journey by Country
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • My Cookbook

China – Zhejiang Dong Po Pork (dōng pō ròu) 東坡肉

January 22, 2015 By Darlene at International Cuisine

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe  ↓ Print Recipe  ❒

Dong po Pork is part of the Zhejiang Cuisine. Pork is clearly a meat of choice in China. This pork belly recipe should pretty much sum up the reason why. There was a man named Su Dongpo, he was an artist, writer and politician. He was exiled to the Huangzhou area for criticizing the Emperor. This dish is named after him, as one day when he was playing chess, he forgot his pork belly was left braising on the stove. When he returned home he tried what was left in the pot and to his surprise, it was tender and even more delicious than the original red cooked, pork belly recipe. This is a serious ‘melt in your mouth’, incredible dish. Every now and again, I almost thought I was eating candy. I loved it! I also would like to give a special shout out to our dear friend Dr. Steven Tidwell, who brought his camera for a day of Chinese food fun. This was his delectable shot. Thanks Steve!

China Dong Po Pork

Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

China – Zhejiang Dong Po Pork (dōng pō ròu) 東坡肉

Course Main Dish
Cuisine China
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4
Author International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pork belly
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 3 stalks scallions cut into 3-inch lengths
  • 1- inch peeled ginger cut into slices
  • 2-3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or 1-2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons Shaoxing Wine
  • water enough to cover the pork belly
  • 1 oz or 40 g rock sugar, lightly crushed or 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • extra sugar to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the pork belly and boil for 5 minutes. Discard water, remove pork from pot, rinse and pat dry. Cut the meat into 2 1/2-inch squares. Tie the pork pieces with food safety strings as tight as possible to avoid meat from falling apart while braising.
  • Heat up a clay pot or stainless steel pot with oil, stir-fry the ginger and scallions until aromatic. Pour in the water and continue boiling for 10 minutes.
  • Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and wine, adequate amount of water just to cover the pork belly and boil in high heat. Mix in rock sugar, pork pieces, skin side down and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low, at a gentle simmering level, cover the pot and braise pork for 30 minutes. Turn pork skin side ‘up’, and continue braising for 1 1/2-2 hours, or until pork is tender enough to your liking.
  • Dish up and serve pork with Dong po sauce over steamed rice or buns and vegetables, or just eat like candy!

 

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: China, Main Dish, Recipes

« China Hunan Hot and Sour Soup 酸辣汤
China Gong Bao Ji Ding (Chicken with chili and peanuts) 宫保鸡丁 »
Symbols of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan a tea pot, cotton, wheat, an apple, and pictures of their national animals an Uzbek cat and markhor.

Our Journey to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

How did they get their Names? Both of these countries are named for early, ...

Read More »

Symbols of Taiwan, a flag, plum blossoms, black bear, butterfly, baseball bat, teapot and a mask.

Our Journey to Taiwan

How did Taiwan get its name? Portuguese explorers, back in the mid 1500s, ...

Read More »

This Week’s Recipes

A plateful of Togolese Spaghetti Salad

Togolese Spaghetti Salad

A plateful of Togolese grilled chicken served with djenkoume, a tomato cornmeal

Togo Grilled Chicken Recipe

a mound of Togolese tomato cornmeal called Djenkoume

Togo Djenkoume Tomato Cornmeal Recipe

Welcome to International Cuisine

Hello my name is Darlene and thank you for stopping by!

I am cooking a meal from every country in the world. I do extensive research and choose a menu that I feel best represents the country and their cuisine. Of course that also includes the authentic, delicious recipes. Simply click on the link or the photo in the journey by country posts to get them. I also share important information about the country as well.

I love to cook, photograph, and especially travel. I hope you enjoy this culinary and cultural adventure around the world. Be sure to join the journey so you don't miss a thing. It's free!

Our Mission

To promote cultural appreciation by cooking our way across the world, one nation at a time. To discover the struggles and joys that have influenced the people, to gain an appreciation of their land and traditions and to feel the hospitality that only sharing a meal can convey.

Come join the journey, explore a new country each week and embark on a fantastic culinary adventure.

Connect and share with Us

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Join the Journey It’s Free!

Sign up for my culinary, travel and cultural adventure delivered right to your inbox so you won't miss a thing.

Copyright International Cuisine 2014-2021 All Rights Reserved