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Braised pork belly: should you use white sugar or rock sugar for better color and flavor?

Whether using white or rock sugar for braising pork belly is a common concern for many. Let's find out which one tastes better and gives a more appealing color!

Administrator

3 May, 2024

Braised pork belly is a traditional Vietnamese dish loved by many. When making this dish, sugar is an indispensable ingredient, but have you ever wondered whether using white sugar or rock sugar tastes better?

Many people do not braise the pork properly, resulting in a dish that is either bitter or bland and pale in color. The main ingredient used in this dish is pork belly, which is a combination of fat and lean meat, giving it a delicious flavor. However, if you don’t like your meat too fatty, you can opt for the lower part of the pork belly (which has more lean meat).

After cleaning and preparing the pork, cut it into small pieces. Blanch the sliced pork in boiling water to remove any odor and impurities.

It is recommended to use rock sugar to make the caramel sauce, as it gives a more visually appealing result and a better taste. Heat the sugar until it turns amber in color.

Using rock sugar enhances the color of the dish and adds a delectable aroma to the taste. If you use white sugar, it is prone to burning and leaves an unpleasant bitter aftertaste.

You can also add a little oil while caramelizing the sugar, which helps it melt gradually and achieve the desired color. Once the sugar has reached the desired color, add the pork, some minced shallots, and stir well to cook the pork.

Next, season with soy sauce, seasoning powder, and stir well to coat the meat. When the meat is browned and has absorbed the seasoning, add enough boiling water to cover the meat, add 2 bay leaves, a few slices of ginger, cover and simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Transfer the braised pork belly to a plate, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and enjoy.

These are some tips for making delicious braised pork belly. Try them out and cook a tasty meal for your family! You can add eggs to braise together if you like, or if you prefer spicy food, you can add some fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.

Frequently asked questions

Proper preparation is key. Clean and cut the pork into small pieces, then blanch them in boiling water to remove any odor or impurities. Use rock sugar for the caramel sauce as it adds a beautiful color and enhanced flavor. Heat the sugar until it turns amber, then add the pork and minced shallots, stirring well.

Rock sugar gives the dish a more visually appealing color and adds a delectable aroma. White sugar tends to burn more easily and can leave an unpleasant bitter aftertaste.

You can add eggs to the braise for a heartier dish. If you like spicy food, fresh chili peppers can be added for an extra kick. Some oil can also be included during caramelization to help the sugar melt gradually and achieve the perfect color.

Season the pork with soy sauce and seasoning powder, stirring to coat the meat well. Once the meat is browned and has absorbed the seasoning, add boiling water to cover, along with bay leaves and ginger slices. Simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Finally, sprinkle with chopped scallions before serving.