The Asian American Pacific Islander community also has a rich food history in the United States. In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month,”¯FreshDirect”¯is shining a light on AAPI-led and -operated food brands. FreshDirect works closely with brands such as Sanzo, Momofuku, Mushroom King, Noona”™s Ice Cream and Nguyen Coffee Supply to bring special flavors and products to customers. Featured products are displayed on FreshDirect”™s dedicated AAPI Heritage Month landing page.
As an extra treat, FreshDirect has shared a recipe for red braised pork belly from Cindy, the Chinese American content creator behind the popular”¯@ChubbyChineseGirlEats”¯Instagram account:
Mama”™s red braised pork belly”¯”“ by”¯@ChubbyChineseGirlEats”¯for FreshDirect
(Hong Shao Rou”¯ç´…燒肉)
”¯This is a Shanghainese classic. You”™ll find it in restaurants with nostalgic names like “Grandma”™s” or “Mama”™s.” Each family has its own version and, like most kids who grew up with this dish, Cindy likes her mama”™s best.”¯
”¯The melt-in-your-mouth cubes of pork belly and eggs are coated in a sweet, savory sticky soy sauce glaze that complements rice.”¯
”¯Ingredients
1 1/2 pound of skin on”¯pork belly
6 boiled or soft-boiled”¯eggs (your preference)
1 can (12 ounces) beer (lager)
1 teaspoon of oil
5 slices of ginger
4 scallions
½ cup dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinese rock sugar
1 teaspoon salt
”¯Directions for the meat and eggs:
Cut the pork belly into 2-by-2-inch cubes and place them in a stock pot. Cover with water and set on high until it boils. Drain the pork immediately. Wash away any impurities on the pork belly with cold water.
Hard boil or soft boil the eggs to your liking. Gently score vertical lines around the eggs for maximum flavor.
Directions for the dish:
In a braising pot, add 3 tablespoons of oil over high heat.”¯Add the ginger and then the pork belly. Let it sear for about 2 minutes. Stir constantly.”¯Add scallions and beer. Bring this to a boil.”¯Add dark soy sauce and salt. Stir.”¯Turn heat to low. Cover and let this cook for 25 minutes.”¯
Add rock sugar and let this simmer for another 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.”¯Add eggs and let the sauce reduce uncovered (about 5 to 10 minutes), until it”™s a little sticky and the meat is tender.”¯Stir the bottom constantly so it doesn”™t burn.
”¯Wash this recipe down with some beverages from Sanzo, maker of Asian-inspired sparkling water, and Brooklyn-based Nguyen Coffee Supply, the United States”™ first specialty Vietnamese coffee company.
