Braised Pork Belly is a recipe that will tickle your taste buds. The star anise, a spice often used in Chinese cuisine, contributes to the dish’s distinct flavor profile. This aromatic spice has a licorice flavor and gives the meal a unique depth of flavor. To prepare this meal, the pork belly is first seared to create a crispy exterior. It is then cooked in soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and star anise. This combination of ingredients results in a delicious sauce that permeates the pork belly and imparts a rich, savory flavor.
This meal is ideal for a special event or a formal dinner party. It is simple to create and will surprise your visitors with its varied flavors and visually appealing presentation. To round up the dish, serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
This dish will satisfy your appetite while leaving you wanting more.
If you want an easy and elegant recipe, look no further than Star Anise-Braised Pork Belly. This dish will satisfy your appetite while leaving you wanting more. So, why not try it and discover the wonder of star anise?
Star Anise-Braised Pork Belly
Ingredients:
1 pound pork belly, skin-on, and tablespoon vegetable oil
One onion, chopped
Two garlic cloves, minced
One tablespoon of ginger, minced
One tablespoon of soy sauce
One tablespoon Shaoxing wine (dry sherry)
One tablespoon of sugar.
1/2 teaspoon of whole star anise
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook the pork belly until browned on all sides.
Remove the pork belly from the pot and set it aside.
Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger until softened, about 5 minutes.
Bring the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, star anise, and peppercorns to a boil.
Return the pork belly to the pot and add enough water to cover it.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 2 hours until the pork belly is soft and falls apart.
Remove the pork belly from the pot and set it aside.
Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the pork belly to the pot and coat with the sauce.
Serve over rice or noodles.
Star Anise Poached Pears
Ingredients:
Six ripe pears, peeled and cored.
1 cup sugar.
1 cup water.
One cinnamon stick.
1/2 teaspoon of whole star anise.
1/4 teaspoon cloves, whole.
Instructions:
Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the pears to the saucepan and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
Remove the pears from the saucepan and allow to cool slightly.
Serve the pears warm or cold, with the poaching liquid drizzled over top.
Star Anise Spiced Chai
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Combine 1/8 teaspoon ground star anise with honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and cook over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer and boil for 5 minutes until the flavors are combined.
Strain the chai into a cup and sweeten it with honey or sugar as desired.
These are just a few recipes that use star anise. Star anise can be used in many sweet and savory cuisines. Be creative and try different flavors to find your favorite star anise dishes.
