Chinese Chestnut Braised Pork Belly: Autumn’s Sticky-Sweet Comfort Bowl
When crisp air calls for unapologetic indulgence, this Chinese braised pork belly recipe delivers velvet-soft meat and caramelized chestnuts in a glossy, spice-kissed glaze. Known as Banli Hongshao Rou (板栗红烧肉), this dish transforms humble ingredients into what food scientists call “umami synergy” – where pork collagen meets chestnut starch in a dance trending on #FoodScience TikTok. Think of it as Asia’s answer to sticky toffee pudding, but with 25g protein per serving.
Ingredients:
✦ 500g pork belly
500五花肉
✦ 250g chinese chestnuts
250克板栗
✦ 10g ginger slices
10克姜片
✦ 20g white sugar
20克白糖
✦ 2g salt
2克盐
✦ 3ml light soy sauce
3毫升生抽
✦ A small piece of cinnamon
一小块桂皮
✦ 2 star anises
2颗八角
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1 :
Add pork belly into cold water and boil until it boils,and continue boiling for 3 minutes.
五花肉冷水下锅焯水，水开后继续煮3分钟
Step 2 :
Fish out and drain the pork.
捞出五花肉，沥干水分
Step 3 :
Heat up the pot and add oil, stir-fried pork belly until it changes color, then fish out and set aside for later use.
起锅烧油下入五花肉翻炒至变色，盛出备用
Step 4 :
Heat up the pot and add oil,add two tablespoons of white sugar and stir fry over low heat until frothy.
起锅烧油，加入2汤匙白糖小火慢炒至冒泡
Step 5 :
Add the stir fried pork belly and continue stir frying for a while.
下入五花肉翻炒一会
Step 6 :
Add ginger,cinnamon,star anise, add 2 tablespoon light soy sauce and 1 teaspoon salt.
加入姜片，桂皮，八角，2汤匙生抽和1茶匙盐
Step 7 :
Add clean water and submerge the pork, boil over high heat, then add the chinese chestnuts.
倒入清水没过五花肉，大火煮开，加入板栗
Step 8 :
Simmer for 35 minutes, done.
焖煮35分钟，完成
Why This Resonates with Western Palates
- Seasonal storytelling: Aligns with pumpkin spice season using autumn chestnuts
- Diet bridges: Use turkey bacon for leaner Chinese pork belly recipes
- Texture therapy: Combines pork crackling crunch with chestnut’s crème brûlée-like interior
Cultural Crossroads
- Mid-Autumn Festival staple: Chestnuts symbolize prosperity in Chinese lore
- Science-backed comfort: Pork fat’s oleic acid boosts serotonin (the “happy hormone”)
- Nutrition upgrade: Chestnuts offer 45% daily fiber per serving – a gut-friendly indulgence
The Story of Chinese Chestnut Braised Pork Belly
Originating in Ming Dynasty imperial kitchens, this peasant-turned-palace dish used chestnuts to stretch expensive pork. Modern chefs praise its Maillard reaction mastery – caramelization at 310°F creates 100+ flavor compounds. Nutritionists note its balanced macros: pork’s protein + chestnuts’ complex carbs = steady energy release (no sugar crash!).
Tags of Braised Pork Belly
# Chinese braised pork belly with chestnuts
# Slow cooker Chinese recipes
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