Embark on a culinary escapade to the vibrant streets of Taiwan with our delightful recipe for Lou Rou Fan, the famed Braised Pork Rice that has captured hearts and taste buds alike. Picture the bustling night markets, where the tantalizing aroma of sizzling pork belly and fragrant spices wafts through the air, promising an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
What is Lu Rou Fan?
It consists of braised pork belly served over a bowl of steamed rice and is a popular comfort food in Taiwanese cuisine.
Lu Rou Fan typically features pork belly that has been slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and various spices. The resulting tender and savoury pork is then served over a bed of steamed rice. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, commonly enjoyed in Taiwan and other Chinese-speaking regions. The balance of sweet and savoury flavours in the braising liquid contributes to the dish’s popularity.
Let’s learn how this flavourful Taiwanese dish is cooked:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, thinly sliced
- Oil for cooking
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, infusing the dish with aroma
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, adding a savoury note
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, deepening the undertones
- 2 tablespoons rice wine, elevating the dish
- 1 tablespoon sugar, to balance the sweet and savoury elements
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, the final flourish
Instructions on Cooking Lu Rou Fan:
Rinsing and Cooking the Rice
Begin your Taiwanese adventure by rinsing the jasmine rice thoroughly. To cook rice, rinse it under cold water to remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the rice with the appropriate amount of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork. This simple process yields fluffy and perfectly cooked rice, ready to complement Your dish.
Sizzling Star of the Dish- Pork Belly
When you begin cooking pork belly, sprinkle the flesh with a mixture of salt, pepper, and any other spices you want. To get a golden-brown crust, sear the pork belly on all sides in a hot pan. When the inside temperature reaches a safe level, transfer it to a plate that can be baked in the oven. You can also braise the pork belly on the stovetop until it’s soft by boiling it in a delicious sauce. The result is succulent and delicious pork belly, perfect for Lu Rou Fan.
Add Your Minced Garlic
When the pork is golden, stir in the minced garlic to let out a fragrant scent that fills the kitchen. Gently stir the garlic until it turns brown and aromatic, incorporating its flavour into the delicious Lu Rou Fan.
Elevate the Flavour of Your Dish
Pour in the soy sauce and dark soy sauce to give your dish a rich taste. Elevate the composition by adding rice wine, followed by a sprinkle of sugar to balance the savoury notes. Now you can add the magical five-spice powder, inviting warmth and depth to the flavour of your dish. This will help in transforming your dish into a masterpiece.
Delicious Sauce Coating
Carefully stir, making sure that all of the pork is coated with the delicious sauce. Add the water and let the pork enjoy the delicious boiling sauce. Stir the delicious sauce slowly, making sure that every piece of pork is well-coated. For around 30 to 40 minutes, cover the pan and allow the flavours to meld over low heat in a braise. The slow cooking method turns the pork into tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks, with every bite bursting with flavour that will take your taste buds to new heights.
Unveiling Delicious Lu Rou Fan
You’ll eventually be able to smell the delicious pork mixed with various flavours. Uncover the pan and allow the sauce to thicken to a luxurious consistency, each bubble unleashing the essence of this Taiwanese masterpiece, while the kitchen transforms completely.
Serve the Dish
Take off your Lu Rou Fan off the stove. First plate your rice in the dish and then top it off with Lu Rou Fan. Place a large serving on the platter and, using a creative motion, ladle the tender pork over the rice. Add some finely sliced green onions as a garnish to give your meal a splash of colour and some freshness.
Using Sesame Oil for the Final Touch
Finally, drizzle with a little sesame oil to finish off your delicious masterpiece. Giving your Lu Rou Fan a nutty richness that unifies everything is like seeing the big show. It is now ready for you to taste your dish!
Final Note: Enjoying the Flavor Harmony
Now, with your chopsticks in hand, dig into your flavourful Lu Rou Fan. This Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan transports you to the bustling streets of Taiwan with every bite, a harmony of varied textures and flavours. Let your dinner become a delight, with each bite serving as a reminder of the rich culinary culture.
