The most iconic meat dish in Shaoshan, beloved by Mao Zedong himself. Served as the signature dish at Mao’s Family Restaurants nationwide, it’s known as “Mao’s Braised Pork”.
Made with half-lean, half-fat pork belly, cut into uniform cubes, simmered with premium soy sauce and a touch of sugar. The result is golden, glossy, sweet but not greasy.
Authentic Recipe:
Cut 800g pork belly into cubes.
Heat 300g oil in a wok until 80% hot. Fry the pork slowly until 1/3 of the fat is rendered.
Pour off excess oil. Add 2 star anise, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, MSG, cooking wine, 5g sugar, and 500g water.
Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens.
Features: Rich color, fragrant, tender yet firm, melts in your mouth. Key tips: Fry the pork over low heat to keep lean meat tender; simmer gently at first, then increase heat slightly.