Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Asian Braised Pork Shoulder recipe! This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork braised in a rich, savory sauce – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest! This easy recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes achievable even with limited cooking experience.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides. This step helps develop a deeper flavor and a beautiful crust. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Braising the Pork
Return the browned pork to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir in the sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 – 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Thickening the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Remove a few spoonfuls of the braising liquid from the pot and whisk it into the cornstarch mixture to temper it. Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the pot and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serving
Garnish with the thinly sliced scallions and serve hot over a bed of cooked rice. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For even more tender pork, consider using a slow cooker. Follow steps 1 and 2, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the pork. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and red pepper flakes to your taste preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper to the pot.
- Sweet and Sour: Add a splash of pineapple juice or a few tablespoons of pineapple chunks to the braising liquid.
- Garlic Lover's Version: Add more minced garlic, or even some roasted garlic for an intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: Approximately 35-40g Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Asian Braised Pork Shoulder recipe offers a healthy meal packed with protein and flavor. It’s a perfect example of how easy it can be to create delicious and satisfying homemade meals. Enjoy!