Lu Rou Fan - Taiwanese Braised Pork over Rice

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thigh

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thigh offers lower fat while pork shoulder is more budget-friendly.

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 vegetarian option, while quail eggs are often less expensive.

white rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: quinoa

Brown rice adds fiber, and quinoa is a protein-rich alternative.

Dice the shallots and mince or grate the garlic.

Cut 1.5 pounds of pork belly into small bite-sized pieces.

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of pork fat.

Add the pork pieces and cook until the water is gone and they start to take on color, about 5 minutes.

Add the diced shallots and cook for another 5 minutes until browned and caramelized.

Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Coca-Cola, and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce.

Add 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder, 1 bay leaf, and 1 star anise.

Pour in 2 cups of water to cover the pork and bring to a simmer.

Simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, checking liquid levels occasionally.

Prepare 1 cup of white rice by washing until the water runs clear, then drain.

Add the washed rice to a pot with 1.25 cups of water and bring to a simmer.

Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes, then let sit for 10 minutes before fluffing the rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens