Savory Chinese Pork Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting an authentic chinese pork stew brings memories of bustling street markets in beijing.

Aromas of star anise and ginger dance through my kitchen, awakening childhood nostalgia.

Tender meat melts with rich, complex flavors that comfort and surprise.

Generations of family recipes inspire this hearty dish, blending traditional techniques with modern twists.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that connects us to cultural roots.

Robust spices and carefully selected cuts of pork create a symphony of taste you’ll crave again and again.

Let’s unlock the secrets of this soul-warming classic that promises to transport you directly to the heart of china.

Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew Ingredient List

• Pork: Tender meat that becomes the hearty center of the stew.

• Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Rich, salty condiments that add depth and color to the dish.
• Honey: Sweet element that balances the savory flavors.
• Rice Wine: Adds a subtle complexity and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a classic Chinese flavor profile.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the stew.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish.
• Citrus Peel: Brings a bright, zesty note to the overall flavor.
• Spices: Blend of warming spices that enhance the stew's complexity.

• Rice, Pak Choi: Traditional side dishes that complement the stew.

How To Put Together Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew

Step 1: Prepare Pork Marinade

Mix soy sauces with the pork in a large bowl, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. Let the meat soak up the flavors for about an hour at room temperature, which helps tenderize and infuse deep flavor into the protein.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat sesame oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Gently sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release their fragrant oils.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Transfer marinated pork pieces into the pot with aromatic vegetables. Cook the meat on medium-high heat, turning each piece to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior. This step helps seal in juices and develop rich caramelized notes.

Step 4: Create Flavor Layers

• Honey
• Five-spice powder
• Rice wine
• Orange or tangerine peel

Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a complex, sweet-savory sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Reduce heat and let the stew simmer on stovetop for 5 minutes. Then transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F). Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, which helps the meat become incredibly tender and allows the sauce to reduce and concentrate.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Serve the succulent pork stew over steamed rice, accompanied by vibrant pak choi for a complete, satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions if desired.

Helpful Tips For Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew

• Boost Flavor Depth: Marinate pork longer than an hour for richer, more intense taste absorption.
• Control Meat Tenderness: Cut pork into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Manage Oil Temperature: Use medium-high heat when browning pork to create a perfect golden crust without burning.
• Enhance Vegetable Pairing: Select fresh, crisp pak choi and blanch briefly to maintain vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Adapt for Diet Needs: Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan version or use low-sodium soy sauce for heart-healthy option.

Tasty Options For Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace pork with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in same sauce for protein-rich alternative.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and replace honey with natural sweeteners like monk fruit syrup.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute rice wine with gluten-free tamari and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer marinated ingredients to slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, hands-off preparation.

Perfect Pairings For Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew

• Enhance Flavor Profile: Pair this rich Chinese pork stew with a crisp Riesling, whose slight sweetness and acidity perfectly balance the savory meat and complement the honey-spice notes.
• Texture Contrast Companion: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and lightly sautéed pak choi to provide a delicate, clean counterpoint to the stew's robust and hearty character.
• Wine Alternative Boost: Select a light-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle earthy undertones, which will harmonize beautifully with the ginger and soy sauce elements in the dish.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Enjoy a cold Asian beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo, whose clean, light profile cuts through the stew's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Save And Reheat Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew The Right Way

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Pork dishes freeze exceptionally well.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew Questions And Tips

• What type of pork is best for this stew?

Pork shoulder or pork belly work best because they have enough fat to keep the meat tender and flavorful during slow cooking.

• Can I replace rice wine with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute rice wine with dry sherry or white cooking wine to maintain a similar depth of flavor.

• How do I know when the pork is properly cooked?

The pork should be fork-tender and easily pull apart, which indicates it has been cooked thoroughly and absorbed all the delicious marinade flavors.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you want to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Why Rick Stein Chinese Pork Stew Is A Favorite

• Savor Rich Cultural Flavors: Dive into an authentic Chinese culinary experience that brings traditional taste sensations straight to your dinner table with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients easily to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this stew adaptable for various household needs and taste profiles.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Prepare a complete meal with minimal kitchen cleanup, combining proteins, seasonings, and vegetables in a single cooking vessel for maximum convenience and minimal dish washing.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires basic cooking techniques, perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal presentation without complex skills.

Chinese Pork Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Chinese Pork Stew brings robust flavors from generations of culinary tradition, merging tender meat with aromatic spices. Warm comfort fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor deep, rich layers of authentic home-style cooking.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) diced pork

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice
• 1 clove
• 1 piece dried tangerine peel

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

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Instructions

1. Combine pork with soy sauces and let marinate for 60 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large pot and sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and grated ginger for aromatic base.
3. Transfer marinated pork into the pot, carefully browning each piece to develop rich caramelized exterior.
4. Pour in honey, select spices, rice wine, and citrus peel, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes on stovetop, creating initial flavor melding.
6. Transfer pot to preheated oven at 160°C, roasting uncovered for 40 minutes until pork becomes tender and sauce reduces.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Plate stew alongside steamed rice and blanched pak choi, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Marinate pork longer for deeper flavor absorption, ideally 2-3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Choose fatty pork cuts like pork belly or shoulder for more tender, succulent results that melt in your mouth.
• Adjust spice levels by adding chili flakes or reducing honey for a less sweet, more savory profile that suits different palates.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, making the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg