Taiwan’s Iconic Comfort Food: How to Make Ru Lou Fan (#滷肉飯)

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Chicken thighs offer a leaner option while ground pork is more affordable.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

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

hard-boiled eggs

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: quail eggs

Tofu provides a plant-based protein alternative, while quail eggs are often less expensive.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is a cost-effective substitute.

Prepare rice according to package instructions and keep warm.

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat until shimmering.

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

Add diced pork belly and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Pour in soy sauce, cooking wine, and water, stirring to combine.

Add star anise, five-spice powder, sugar, and white pepper.

Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.

Braised for 1-1.5 hours until pork is tender, stirring occasionally.

Add hard-boiled eggs to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve braised pork over warm rice, garnished with green onions and coriander.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary