LU ROU FAN (BRAISED PORK 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.

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add diced pork belly until browned.

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

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

Pour in water to cover the pork and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until tender.

Remove the lid and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Prepare white rice according to package instructions.

Serve the braised pork over a bed of rice.

Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs and chopped green onions.

Add pickled vegetables on the side for contrast.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens