Mouth-watering Steam Pork Belly Chinese Recipes

If you enjoy Chinese food, you have probably come across steamed pork belly. This traditional dish is a popular choice in Chinese cuisine and comes in many different versions across the country. Steamed pork belly is a delectable and tasty dish suitable for any occasion. Whether you want a warm meal on a chilly night or a special dish to wow your dinner companions, steamed pork belly is a fantastic option.

To prepare steamed pork belly, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including pork belly, salt, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also add other ingredients and spices to customize the dish to your liking. There are many different preparation techniques and cooking processes that can be used to make steamed pork belly, so it's important to find a recipe that works for you. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with different variations and ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic Chinese dish.

Key Takeaways

• Steamed pork belly is a classic Chinese dish that can be found in many different variations throughout the country.
• Essential ingredients for steamed pork belly include pork belly, salt, sugar, and soy sauce, but you can add other ingredients and spices to customize the dish to your liking.
• There are many different preparation techniques and cooking processes that can be used to make steamed pork belly, so it's important to find a recipe that works for you.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

Selecting the Pork Belly

When selecting pork belly for your steamed pork belly dish, it is important to choose a cut with a good balance of meat and fat. Look for pork belly with a layer of skin that is not too thick or too thin. If the skin is too thick, it will be difficult to achieve a crispy texture, and if it is too thin, it may burn easily during cooking.

Key Seasonings and Sauces

The key seasonings and sauces for Chinese-style steamed pork belly include soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Soy sauce is used to add saltiness and depth of flavor, while dark soy sauce adds color and richness. Rice wine is used to tenderize the meat and add a subtle sweetness, while sugar is used to balance out the saltiness and add a touch of sweetness.

Other important seasonings include star anise, ginger, garlic, and white pepper. Star anise adds a unique licorice-like flavor, while ginger and garlic add depth and complexity. White pepper adds a subtle heat and aroma.

Additional Ingredients for Flavour

To add even more depth and complexity to your steamed pork belly dish, you can use additional ingredients such as oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, rock sugar, sesame oil, fermented bean curd, and fermented black beans. Oyster sauce adds a savory umami flavor, while Shaoxing wine adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Rock sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance out the flavors, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Fermented bean curd and fermented black beans add a unique, slightly funky flavor that pairs well with the rich, fatty pork belly.

If you are looking to add seafood to your steamed pork belly dish, you can try adding shrimp or scallops. Shrimp adds a sweet, briny flavor, while scallops add a delicate sweetness and a slightly firm texture. Be sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish at the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Pork Belly

Before steaming the pork belly, it is important to marinate it. This will help to infuse the meat with flavour and ensure that it is tender and juicy. You can use a variety of marinades, but a simple mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar is a good place to start.

To marinate the pork belly, mix together the marinade ingredients and place the pork belly in a container. Pour the marinade over the pork belly, making sure that it is completely coated. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Setting Up the Steamer

To steam the pork belly, you will need a steamer. You can use a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer, whichever you prefer. Fill the steamer with water and bring it to a boil.

While the water is heating up, remove the pork belly from the marinade and place it on a plate. Reserve the marinade for later.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect texture for your steamed pork belly, follow these steps:

1. Blanch the pork belly in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. This will help to remove any impurities and ensure that the meat is tender.

2. Remove the pork belly from the water and pat it dry with a paper towel.

3. Brush the pork belly with a mixture of cornstarch and water. This will help to create a sticky surface that will hold onto the marinade.

4. Place the pork belly in the steamer and steam for 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the pork belly.

5. While the pork belly is steaming, you can prepare the marinade. Add the reserved marinade to a pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

6. Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the steamer and brush it with the thickened marinade.

If you want to add seafood to your steamed pork belly, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply place them on top of the pork belly before steaming and cook them for the same amount of time. The seafood will absorb the aroma and flavour of the pork belly, creating a delicious and unique dish.

Cooking Process

Steaming the Pork Belly

To make steamed pork belly Chinese style, you will need to start by cleaning the pork belly and removing any excess fat. Once cleaned, cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.

Next, prepare a steaming basket and line it with parchment paper. Place the pork belly pieces in the basket and steam them over high heat for about an hour. This will ensure that the pork belly is cooked through and is tender.

Creating the Sauce

While the pork belly is steaming, it's time to make the sauce. In a pan, heat some vegetable oil and add in some Sichuan peppercorns. Cook until fragrant, then remove the peppercorns and discard.

Next, add in some aromatics such as garlic and ginger, and cook until they are soft. Then, add in some soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Finishing Touches

Once the pork belly is steamed, remove it from the steaming basket and place it on a serving plate. Pour the sauce over the pork belly, making sure to coat all the pieces evenly.

For an extra crispy texture, you can also fry the pork skin separately until it turns golden brown and crispy. Then, chop it into small pieces and sprinkle it on top of the steamed pork belly.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can try adding some steamed prawns or scallops on top of the pork belly. This will add an extra layer of flavour and texture to the dish.

Overall, steamed pork belly Chinese style is a delicious and flavourful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender pork belly and rich sauce, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Serving and Pairings

Accompaniments

When serving steamed pork belly, it is important to have the right accompaniments to enhance the dish's flavour. Steamed rice is a classic pairing that complements the savoury and rich taste of the pork belly. You can also add a splash of cooking wine and minced ginger to the rice to add a depth of flavour. Tofu, boiled eggs, and crispy pork belly are other great additions that can be served alongside the pork belly.

If you want to add a tangy flavour to your dish, you can serve it with vinegar. A light sprinkle of vinegar can help cut through the richness of the pork belly. Steamed buns and noodles are also popular accompaniments that can be served with the pork belly.

If you are looking for a unique way to serve the pork belly, you can try making gua bao. Gua bao is a type of Taiwanese sandwich that consists of a steamed bun filled with meat, vegetables, and condiments. The soft and pillowy texture of the steamed bun pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy pork belly.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving steamed pork belly. A simple way to elevate the presentation of your dish is to use a serving plate that complements the colour of the pork belly. A white or light-coloured plate can help showcase the pork belly's rich and caramelised colour.

When serving the pork belly, you can cut it into thin slices or cubes and arrange it on the plate. This will make it easier for your guests to serve themselves and create a visually appealing dish. You can also garnish the dish with some fresh herbs or thinly sliced vegetables to add a pop of colour.

To add a seafood element to your dish, you can try serving the pork belly with prawns or squid. The seafood's natural sweetness and briny flavour can complement the richness of the pork belly and create a unique flavour profile.

Cultural Significance and Variations

Pork belly is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often associated with traditional Chinese festivities, especially during Chinese New Year. It is a popular ingredient in many Chinese comfort food dishes and is enjoyed in a variety of regional variations across China.

Traditional Chinese Festivities

During Chinese New Year, pork belly is often served as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Mei Cai Kou Rou, a dish of steamed pork belly with preserved mustard, is a celebratory dish often served during this time. The preserved mustard adds a unique flavour to the dish and is believed to bring good fortune.

In addition to Chinese New Year, pork belly is also commonly served during other traditional Chinese festivities such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. It is often used in dishes such as Cantonese roast pork belly and Shanghai-style braised pork belly.

Regional Variations

Pork belly is a versatile ingredient and is used in a variety of dishes across China. In Cantonese cuisine, Lap Yuk, or Chinese cured pork belly, is a popular specialty that is often enjoyed during the autumn and winter months. It is often served with congee or in stir-fries.

Hunan Pork Stir-Fry is another popular pork belly dish that originates from the Hunan province in China. It is a spicy and flavourful dish that is often served with rice.

Twice-cooked pork is a Sichuan specialty that is made with pork belly that has been boiled, sliced, and then stir-fried with vegetables and seasonings. It is a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine and is often enjoyed with rice or noodles.

For a seafood twist, you could try adding prawns or scallops to the Mei Cai Kou Rou dish. The seafood adds a delicious flavour that complements the preserved mustard greens and pork belly. Alternatively, you could try making Five Flower Meat, a dish made with a combination of pork belly, squid, octopus, shrimp, and fish. This dish is a popular specialty in Guangdong province and is often enjoyed during special occasions.

Overall, pork belly is a versatile and delicious ingredient that is enjoyed in a variety of Chinese dishes. Whether you prefer it steamed, braised, or stir-fried, there is a pork belly dish for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to steam pork belly to keep it tender?

To keep pork belly tender, it is best to steam it for a longer period of time at a lower temperature. This will allow the fat to render out slowly and keep the meat moist. It is also important to cut the pork belly into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Can you give me a step-by-step guide for making Mei Cai Kou Rou?

Mei Cai Kou Rou is a traditional Chinese dish made with braised and steamed pork belly and preserved vegetables. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Soak the preserved vegetables in water for about 30 minutes until they are soft.
2. Rinse the pork belly and cut it into small pieces.
3. Heat some oil in a wok and add the pork belly. Stir-fry until the meat is browned.
4. Add the preserved vegetables, along with some ginger, garlic, and spices. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
5. Add some water or stock and simmer for about 30 minutes until the pork is tender.
6. Transfer the pork and vegetables to a heatproof dish and steam for about 20 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the flavours have melded together.

What are some popular variations of steamed pork belly dishes in Chinese cuisine?

Apart from Mei Cai Kou Rou, there are many other popular variations of steamed pork belly dishes in Chinese cuisine. Some examples include Red Braised Pork Belly, Steamed Pork Belly with Taro, and Dong Po Rou. Each dish has its own unique flavour profile and cooking method.

How can I achieve that melt-in-the-mouth texture when steaming pork belly?

To achieve a melt-in-the-mouth texture when steaming pork belly, it is important to choose a good quality cut of meat and to steam it for a longer period of time at a lower temperature. You can also marinate the pork belly beforehand to help tenderize the meat.

Is it necessary to boil pork belly before steaming, and if so, why?

Boiling pork belly before steaming is not necessary, but it can help to remove any impurities and excess fat from the meat. It can also help to tenderize the meat and ensure even cooking.

Could you suggest some vegetarian alternatives to pork belly in Chinese steamed dishes?

For vegetarians, tofu or seitan can be used as a substitute for pork belly in Chinese steamed dishes. Seafood such as shrimp or scallops can also be used to add a different flavour profile to the dish.