Lush Hangzhou Rolls

Hangzhou Rolls, also known as "Dongpo Rou," are an exquisite and traditional dish that hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of Hangzhou, a picturesque city in China's Zhejiang province. This delicacy is named after Su Dongpo, a famous Song Dynasty scholar, poet, and statesman, who was renowned for his love of food and innovation in culinary practices. Dongpo Rou is typically made with lush pork belly and is celebrated for its rich flavors, glistening appearance, and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish beautifully embodies the essence of Hangzhou cuisine, which is known for its subtle flavors, emphasis on texture, and harmonious combination of ingredients. Throughout this recipe, you'll discover how to create this culinary masterpiece, with step-by-step instructions that replicate the essence and authenticity of this time-honored dish.

Ingredients

• Pork Belly - 500 grams
• Soy Sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Sugar - 2 tablespoons
• Shaoxing Wine - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 30 grams, sliced
• Green Onions - 2 stalks
• Star Anise - 2 pieces
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Water - as needed

Preparation

1. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the pork belly under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry using paper towels.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and place the pork belly in it. Blanch it for about 5 minutes to rid any additional impurities. Remove and pat dry once again.
3. Once cooled, cut the pork belly into approximately 4-inch squares, ensuring the skin remains intact.

Cooking Process

1. In a medium-sized wok or deep pan, arrange the sliced ginger and green onions at the bottom to form a fragrant bed for the pork belly pieces.
2. Place the cut pork belly pieces skin-side down on top of the ginger and green onions.
3. Add the soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, star anise, and salt into the pan.
4. Pour enough water into the wok to just cover the pork belly.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid.
6. Allow the pork belly to simmer for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, checking periodically and adding more water if necessary. Keep an eye on the liquid level.
7. The cooking process is complete when the pork belly becomes tender yet maintains its shape, and the sauce is rich and slightly thickened. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar to taste.

Before serving, allow the cooking process to rest for a few minutes, ensuring the flavors fully meld into the sumptuous layers of the meat.

Enjoying the Meal

Serve Hangzhou Rolls with a side of steaming fresh rice, which complements the rich, savory flavors perfectly. Accompany your meal with seasonal vegetables or a crisp, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the dish. The complexity of the flavors will astound your taste buds, as the carmelized notes from the sugar blend beautifully with the umami of the soy sauce and aromatic spices. This dish is best enjoyed with family and friends, creating a communal dining experience inspired by centuries of Chinese culinary traditions.

Cooking Tips

• For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the pork belly in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
• Experiment with additional spices such as cinnamon or cloves for a different aroma profile.
• Ensure that the skin of the pork belly remains on throughout the cooking process to provide the ideal texture and flavor.