Hi there! Today I bring you braised pork rice taiwan recipe with a twist. Yes, This one is not your traditional Taiwanese braise pork.
I made a healthier version. Why? Well, the traditional Taiwanese braise pork recipe calls for pork belly. The first time I try it, I find it way too fatty. However, the flavours are fantastic, and I could work with that.
You can still use these instructions for belly pork. However, if you are up for a healthier version with the exact same flavours and without the guilt of having a highly caloric meal, then this recipe is for you.
Let’s start!!
History of Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice
If you’re a fan of Taiwanese dishes, you’ve probably heard of Lu Rou Fan, also known as Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice.
This dish is one of the most popular Taiwanese comfort foods and street foods, and it’s easy to see why.
The dish consists of a tender, fatty pork belly braised in a fragrant sauce, then served over a bed of steaming white rice.
It’s flavorful, filling, and oh-so-delicious.
The origins of Lu Rou Fan are somewhat murky, but it’s believed to have originated in the southern region of China, specifically in the Shandong province.
Chinese immigrants brought this dish to Taiwan, and over time, it became a beloved Taiwanese dish.
Today, Lu Rou Fan is a staple of Taiwanese home cooking, as well as a popular street food that you can find at night markets and food stalls throughout the country.
One of the things that makes Lu Rou Fan so special is the braising process.
Braising is a cooking technique that involves cooking meat in a flavorful liquid for an extended period of time.
In the case of Lu Rou Fan, the pork is braised in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and spices like star anise and cinnamon.
This slow cooking process allows the pork to become incredibly tender and flavorful, and it also infuses the rice with a rich, savoury sauce.
It’s easy to see why – the dish is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.
Key Ingredient Braised Pork Rice Taiwan s and Their Role
When it comes to braised pork rice taiwan recipe, there are several key ingredients that give it its distinct flavour and texture.
Here are some of the most important ingredients and their roles in creating this delicious dish:
Pork
Pork is the star of the show in this dish. Traditionally people use pork belly. But since this recipe is not traditional, you can use any cut of pork.
I used pork loin and didn’t remove all the fat from it.
Rice
Steamed rice is the perfect accompaniment to the braised pork. It provides a neutral base for the flavorful sauce, and the texture of the rice complements the tender meat perfectly.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and it plays a key role in this dish as well.
It adds depth of flavour and a rich umami taste to the sauce while also providing a salty balance to the sweetness of the dish.
Onion
Caramelized onions will infuse a lot of flavour. You can use shallots, which is what the original recipe calls for.
I didn’t see the point of going to the grocery store for the shallows. Onion worked perfectly for me.
Garlic
Garlic is another essential ingredient in this dish. It adds a pungent, savoury flavour to the sauce while also providing numerous health benefits.
Spices
A variety of spices made it to this braised pork rice taiwan recipe including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and pepper.
These spices add complexity and depth of flavour to the dish while also providing a bit of heat and warmth.
The combination of these key ingredients creates a dish that is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
Whether you’re using minced pork or pork belly, dried shiitake mushrooms or fresh, light soy sauce or dark, the ingredient list may vary, but the end result is always delicious.
Eggs
Boiled eggs will add another layer of flavour to your rice bowl. I had never had this before and let me tell you, it was fantastic.
The eggs are optional, but if you like eggs, give this a go, and you won’t regret it.
Preparation Steps
Preparing Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
But you know what, it is super easy. Follow these steps, and you will end up with delicious Taiwanese pork rice.
Meat Preparation
To start, you will need to prepare the meat. Use a cut of meat that has some fat on it, like pork shoulder, pork belly or pork butt.
Cut the meat into small strips about 2-3 cm in size. Follow the video instructions to cut the meat.
Boiling the Eggs
I cooked 4 eggs for this braised pork rice taiwan recipe; however, feel free to add as many eggs as you like.
Boil the eggs in a pot for 10 to 12 minutes. After that time, take them out of the hot water and put them in a bath of cold icy water so they peel easily.
Peel them and reserve.
Cooking the Pork
In a pan, heat some vegetable oil. Add the onion and cook until it is caramelized. Then remove them and set them aside.
In the same pan, add the spices, star anis, cloves, and peppercorns. Fry them until they are fragrant, and then add the pork.
Cook the pork until browned on all sides.
Then add the rest of the ingredients along with the eggs. Pour some water until it covers the meat.
Close the lid at cook on low heat for 45 minutes.
Assembling the Dish
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a bowl, add a serving of rice, then top it with the braised pork and sauce.
Add some steamed Asian greens, such as bok choy or broccoli, for some added nutrition. If you opt for the hard-boiled eggs, add them to the dish for some extra protein.
Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is worth the effort to prepare.
By following these preparation steps, you’ll create a meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Nutritional Information of Braised Pork Rice Taiwan Recipe
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might be wondering about the nutritional information of Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice. Here’s what you need to know:
- A serving size of braised pork rice is typically around 1 cup or 200 grams.
- One serving of braised pork rice contains approximately 450-500 calories.
- The dish is high in protein and fat, with around 20-25 grams of protein and 25-30 grams of fat per serving.
- Braised pork rice is also high in sodium, with around 1000-1200 milligrams per serving.
While braised pork rice may not be the healthiest option out there, you can still enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can try some of these tips:
- Use leaner cuts of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, instead of pork belly.
- Use less oil when cooking the pork and rice.
- Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables to add more nutrients and fibre to your meal.
In the end, it’s all about balance and moderation. Enjoy your braised pork rice as a treat every once in a while, and pair it with other healthy foods to make a well-rounded meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Braised pork rice is a classic Taiwanese comfort food that is hearty and satisfying. However, if you’re looking to elevate your meal, here are some pairing suggestions that will complement the flavours of this dish:
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
Taiwanese beef noodle soup is another popular dish in Taiwan that pairs well with braised pork rice.
The rich and savoury broth of the beef noodle soup is a perfect complement to the sweet and savoury flavours of the braised pork.
You can enjoy both dishes together for a filling and satisfying meal.
Asian Greens
To balance out the richness of the braised pork, consider serving it with some steamed Asian greens like bok choy or broccoli.
These vegetables add a fresh and healthy element to the meal, and their mild flavours won’t overpower the pork.
Comfort Food
Braised pork rice is a classic comfort food that pairs well with other comfort foods. Consider serving it with other dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes.
These dishes will provide a satisfying and filling meal that will leave you feeling warm and content.
In conclusion, braised pork rice is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of foods and beverages.
Whether you’re looking for something healthy or indulgent, there’s a pairing out there that will suit your tastes.
Variations of the Recipe
There are many ways to make braised pork rice, and each variation can give a unique twist to the dish. Here are a few variations that you might want to try:
- Fried Shallots: Adding fried shallots to the braised pork rice can give it a crispy texture and a sweet taste. You can buy pre-fried shallots at an Asian grocery store or make your own by slicing shallots thinly and frying them until they turn golden brown.
- Shaoxing Wine: Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese cooking wine that is commonly used in braised dishes. It has a rich, complex flavour that can enhance the taste of the pork.
- Five-Spice Powder: Five-spice powder is a blend of spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It typically includes cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. Adding a pinch of five-spice powder to the braising liquid can give the dish a warm, aromatic flavour.
- Texture: The texture of the pork can also be varied by using different cuts of meat. Some recipes call for pork belly, which has a rich, fatty flavour and a tender texture. Others use pork shoulder or butt, which have a leaner texture but can still be flavorful when braised.
- Ground White Pepper: Ground white pepper can be added to the braising liquid to give the dish a subtle heat. It has a milder flavour than black pepper and can complement the other spices in the dish.
- Chinese Cooking Wine: Chinese cooking wine can be used in place of Shaoxing wine. It has a similar flavour and can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
These are just a few variations of the braised pork rice recipe. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find your own unique twist on this classic Taiwanese dish.
Watch How to Make Braised Pork Rice Taiwan Recipe
Braised Pork Rice Taiwan Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cooking Pan or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pork
- 4 Eggs
- 1 Onion
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 8 Black Peppercorn
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 bay leaves
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 4 Cloves
- 4 Thin slices of ginger
- 3 tbsp Sugar
- 3 tbsp Vinegar
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
Instructions
- Cut the meat into small strips about 2-3 cm in size.
- Boil the eggs in a pot for 10 to 12 minutes. After that time, take them out of the hot water and put them in a bath of cold icy water so they peel easily. Peel them and reserve.
- In a pan, heat some vegetable oil. Add the onion and cook until it is caramelized. Then remove them and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the spices, star anis, cloves, and peppercorns. Fry them until they are fragrant, and then add the pork. Cook the pork until browned on all sides.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients along with the eggs. Pour some water until the meat is fully covered. Close the lid at cook on low heat for 45 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a bowl, add a serving of rice, then top it with the braised pork and sauce.
- Add some steamed Asian greens, such as bok choy or broccoli, for some added nutrition. If you opt for the hard-boiled eggs, add them to the dish for some extra protein.
- Enjoy
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 343 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 15.4g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat 3.6g | 18% |
| Cholesterol 246mg | 82% |
| Sodium 806mg | 35% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13.8g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars 10.8g | |
| Protein 36.4g | |
| Vitamin D 15mcg | 77% |
| Calcium 49mg | 4% |
| Iron 3mg | 16% |
| Potassium 628mg | 13% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Recipe analyzed by  |
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YOu may want to check how to make mongolian beef recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients needed for Taiwanese braised pork rice?
The main ingredients for Taiwanese braised pork rice, also known as Lu Rou Fan, include pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, garlic, ginger, and five spice powder. Some recipes may also call for shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, or dried scallops. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and blanched greens.
How do you make Lu Rou Fan with ground pork?
If you want to make Lu Rou Fan with ground pork instead of pork belly, you can follow a similar recipe but use ground pork instead. Start by browning the ground pork in a wok or large skillet. Then add the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, garlic, ginger, and five spice powder. Simmer the mixture until the pork is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened. Serve over steamed rice.
What is the difference between Taiwanese Rou Zhao Fan and Lu Rou Fan?
While both dishes feature braised pork over rice, Taiwanese Rou Zhao Fan uses ground pork instead of pork belly. The ground pork is cooked with soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings until it becomes a thick and flavorful sauce that is spooned over steamed rice. Lu Rou Fan, on the other hand, uses pork belly that is braised in a similar sauce until it becomes tender and succulent.
What are some tips for thickening the braising sauce for pork belly?
To thicken the braising sauce for pork belly, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Be sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water first to prevent clumping. You can also let the sauce simmer for a longer period of time to reduce and thicken naturally.
Where can I find the best-braised pork rice near me?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a large Taiwanese population, you may be able to find a restaurant that specializes in Lu Rou Fan or Rou Zhao Fan. You can also try searching for Taiwanese restaurants or Asian markets in your area. Alternatively, you can try making the dish at home using one of the many recipes available online.
What makes Taiwanese braised pork belly so famous?
Taiwanese braised pork belly is famous for its rich, savoury flavour and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish is a beloved comfort food in Taiwan and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and spices creates a complex and addictive flavour that is hard to resist.
