Taiwanese Meat Sauce

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt intake, while tamari is gluten-free.

rice wine

🥗Healthier: white vinegar

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

White vinegar provides acidity without calories, while apple cider vinegar is more affordable.

hard-boiled eggs

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: cooked chickpeas

Tofu offers protein without cholesterol, and chickpeas are budget-friendly.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering.

Add shallots and garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Add ground pork and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, star anise, and black pepper.

Add water to cover the meat, bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Stir in sesame oil for flavor.

Serve over cooked rice, topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs and green onions.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: