Dive into the rich, savory depths of Hakka-style Braised Pork Belly Noodle Soup, a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with a complex, flavorful broth. This iconic dish, a staple in Hakka cuisine, is far more than just a simple noodle soup; it's a symphony of textures and tastes, showcasing the magic of slow-braising and the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and umami notes. Imagine succulent pork belly, infused with aromatic spices and steeped in a deeply flavorful broth, served over a bed of perfectly cooked noodles. The tantalizing aroma alone is enough to awaken your senses.
This recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful braising liquid to perfectly cooking the noodles and assembling this satisfying bowl of comfort food. Get ready to experience the authentic flavors of Hakka cuisine and impress your family and friends with this truly unforgettable dish. Prepare to be amazed as we embark on this culinary journey together, step-by-step, to create your own perfect bowl of Hakka Braised Pork Belly Noodle Soup.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Fork
- Paper towel
- Dehydrator (or fan)
- Wok
- Clay pot
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 1 piece
- Water: 2.5 liters
- Ginger: a few slices
- Chinese cooking wine: a drizzle
- Sichuan peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Dark soy sauce
- Oil: 1/3 cup
- Dried campharia galanga (sand ginger): 4 slices
- Cloves: 2
- Cinnamon stick: 1
- Black cardamom: 1/2
- Star anise: 1
- Bay leaves: 3
- Dried chilies: 3
- Fennel seeds: 1/4 teaspoon
- Scallions: 2
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Soy sauce: 1/2 cup
- Chinese cooking wine (or Shaoxing wine): 1/2 cup
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 2.5 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
- Thick rice noodles
- Baby bok choy (or other leafy greens)
- Spicy pickled long beans (or other pickles)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Fill a pot with water, add pork, ginger, cooking wine, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove and poke holes in the skin.
- Wipe excess fat, apply dark soy sauce to the skin.
- Use a dehydrator or fan to dehydrate the skin for several hours, or refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Heat oil in a wok to 380°F. Fry pork belly, skin-side down, until crispy. Cover the wok to minimize oil splattering. Fry other sides until golden brown.
Step 2. Create the Braising Liquid and Cook Noodles
- In a clay pot, combine the spice bag (all the spices), soy sauce, cooking wine, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours.
- Soak rice noodles in hot water for 20 minutes until slightly chewy.
- Add the drained noodles and baby bok choy to the braising liquid. Bring to a boil and cook for 20-30 seconds.
Step 3. Assemble the Soup
- Place noodles in a bowl, ladle the broth over, and top with sliced pork belly and your choice of pickles and scallions.
Read more: Authentic Cantonese Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Poke holes in the pork belly skin quickly while it's still hot to ensure the dark soy sauce adheres well.
- Cover the wok immediately when frying the pork belly to prevent oil splattering.
- Adjust saltiness of the broth to taste after simmering, considering the addition of noodles and vegetables.
- Don't overcook the noodles after adding them to the broth to prevent them from breaking down.
Nutrition
- Calories: 700-800
- Fat: 50-60g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly?
While pork belly is traditional and delivers the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even beef brisket. Adjust braising time accordingly; tougher cuts will need longer.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
A fully vegetarian/vegan version is challenging as the rich flavor comes from the pork belly. You could try a hearty vegetable broth with firm tofu or mushrooms to create a similar texture, but the taste will be distinctly different.
With its rich broth, tender pork belly, and perfectly cooked noodles, this Hakka-style braised pork belly noodle soup is a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal. We hope you enjoyed following this recipe and savoring the delicious results. Now, gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure—your taste buds will thank you!