Cantonese Pork Belly and Taro Casserole

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €15.83 · €2.64/serving

• 5 pounds of premium pork belly, with the skin left onEst. price €12.50–€22.50
• 1 tablespoon of rich and flavorful dark soy sauceEst. price €0.03–€0.08
• 1 tablespoon of a neutral and versatile oilEst. price €0.04–€0.10
• 6 pounds of fresh taro, meticulously peeled and cut into 3 by 1-inch slices (handle with care as taro can be slippery when wet)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 1 teaspoon of high-quality saltEst. price €0.01–€0.03
• 2 teaspoons of umami-rich MSGEst. price €0.02–€0.06
• 4 teaspoons of decadent sugarEst. price €0.02–€0.05
• 1 tablespoon of aromatic Shaoxing wine (allow the alcohol to cook off before adding other ingredients)Est. price €0.08–€0.20
• 1 tablespoon of fragrant toasted sesame oilEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 tablespoon of savory chicken powder (adjust to taste)Est. price €0.15–€0.35

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating a large pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil. Carefully immerse the pork belly in the boiling water for 2 minutes to cleanse it. Afterward, take out the pork belly from the pot and transfer it to a colander. Give it a thorough rinse under cold running water to cool it down.

2. 2

   Using a siu yuk poker or a skewer, pierce the skin of the pork belly to create small holes. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin during the cooking process.

3. 3

   Coat the pork belly with soy sauce by tossing it in a large bowl.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Cantonese Pork Belly and Taro Casserole is a traditional dish in Cantonese cuisine, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. The use of aromatic Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, and fermented bean curd highlights the complex and diverse flavors of Cantonese cooking.

• Seasonal note

  This dish is perfect for the fall and winter seasons when fresh taro is in abundance. Pork belly is also more flavorful during the cooler months, making it an ideal comfort food for the cold weather.

• Health note

  While this dish is high in calories and fat due to the pork belly, it also provides a good amount of protein and fiber. The taro adds essential vitamins A and C, while the dish is relatively low in sugar. However, the high sodium content from soy sauce and MSG should be consumed in moderation.