· Method · 4 min read
Delicious Pork Stew with Vermicelli: A Comforting Northeastern Classic!
Main Ingredients: Key components include pork belly, garlic, ginger, bay leaf, star anise, and vermicelli. Cooking Method: The pork is marinated, caramelized, and stewed with spices, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Vermicelli Preparation: The vermicelli is soaked beforehand for optimal texture. It absorbs the savory broth, enhancing the dish’s richness. Serving Suggestion: This dish is best enjoyed warm, making it a comforting meal during cold months.
Ingredients:
• A piece of pork belly
• Some garlic
• A piece of ginger
• A piece of bay leaf
• A piece of star anise
• Two white cardamoms
• A spoonful of cooking wine
• A spoonful of light soy sauce
• A spoonful of salt
• A spoonful of sugar
• A spoonful of oyster sauce
• A piece of rock sugar
• Some dark soy sauce
Cooking Steps:
1. Prepare the Pork Belly:
Separate the skin from the pork belly, wash it clean, and drain the water. Choose pork belly for an intense aroma and fragrant taste.
2. Marinate the Meat:
Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, and cooking wine to the cleaned pork belly. Stir well and marinate for later use.
3. Caramelize Rock Sugar:
Heat oil in a pan, add rock sugar and fry until it turns a sugary color. If necessary, novices can skip this step.
4. Cook the Meat:
Add the marinated pork to the pan and stir-fry to release the fat. Add dark and light soy sauces to enhance the flavor.
5. Stew the Meat:
Add enough water and spices. Stew over medium heat until the meat is soft, which takes about an hour.
6. Add Vermicelli:
When the meat is cooked, add soaked vermicelli and season with pepper and salt to thicken the soup. The dish is ready!
7. Cooking Summary:
If the stewing time seems long, pre-soften the pork in a pot. Adjust the flavor to your taste before serving.
Cooking Tips:
1. Choose Quality Ingredients:
Select fresh pork belly and high-quality vermicelli for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
2. Marinate Properly:
Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
3. Control Heat:
When frying the rock sugar, keep the heat low to avoid burning. A gentle caramelization will add a lovely sweetness to the dish.
4. Water Level Matters:
You can always start with enough water in the pot. It’s easier to add more later than to fix a dry dish.
5. Vermicelli Preparation:
Soak the vermicelli in water beforehand to make sure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth.
6. Taste as You Cook:
Regularly taste the stew while cooking. You can adjust seasoning to your preference for the best results.
7. Rest Before Serving:
After cooking, let the stew sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.
