Ingredients for Braised Pork without Coconut Water
1.2 kg pork belly
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Mai Que Lo wine
1 knob of ginger
1 shallot
Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili powder, honey, five-spice powder or sauce, onion powder, salt.
2. How to Make Braised Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
After purchasing the pork, you can rinse it with salt or wine, vinegar to remove any unpleasant odors. Then, wash it thoroughly with water, pat it dry, and cut it into pieces approximately 2.5 cm wide.
Next, boil a pot of water with sliced ginger, shallot, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pork and parboil for 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot, rinse it briefly with cold water, and set it aside to drain.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder, 1 tablespoon of Mai Que Lo wine, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 2 tablespoons of honey, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce. Mix well to dissolve the spices.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork
Before marinating, use a paper towel to pat the pork dry. Then, place the pork in the bowl of spices and use your hands to evenly coat each piece. Let the pork marinate for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Braise the Pork
Place a pan over medium heat and add the marinated pork along with the sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, then add about 375 ml of water and turn up the heat to bring it to a boil.
Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Finally, turn up the heat and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 5: Final Product
The braised pork should have an appealing color, be tender, and emit a delightful aroma. Remove it from the heat, let it cool slightly, and then cut it into thin, bite-sized pieces.
Even without coconut water, this braised pork dish is delicious, tender, and visually appealing. The spices are well-balanced, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice, bread, or noodles.