Pork Braised in Dark Soy Sauce

Ingredients for Pork Braised in Dark Soy Sauce

• 3 tablespoons coriander seeds, toasted and cooled

• 1200ml plus 2 tablespoons water

• 180ml chopped shallots (3 large)

• 8 garlic cloves, chopped

• 60ml vegetable oil

• 1 (3 1/2- to 4-inch) cinnamon stick

• 45ml yellow soybean sauce, mashed with back of a spoon to a coarse paste

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

• 1.1kg boneless pork shoulder (sometimes called pork butt

• in 1 or 2 solid pieces), cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 (1 1/4-lb) can sliced bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed

• Garnish: 3 (5 1/2-inch) fresh Holland red chillies, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced

• 1 cup fresh coriander sprigs

• an electric coffee/spice grinder

• a mini food processor

How to make Pork Braised in Dark Soy Sauce

Finely grind coriander seeds in grinder. Stir together ground coriander and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl.

Coarsely purée shallots and garlic in mini processor, scraping down side occasionally. Heat oil in a 6- to 7-quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook shallot purée with cinnamon stick, stirring occasionally and scraping up any brown bits, until pale golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Add coriander mixture, mashed soybean sauce, sugar, and cloves and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Increase heat to high, then add pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until pork is no longer pink on the outside, 2 to 3 minutes. Add soy sauce and remaining 1200ml water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until meat is tender, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours.

Meanwhile, blanch bamboo shoots in a large saucepan of boiling water 1 minute, then drain well in a colander. Stir bamboo shoots into braised pork and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 15 minutes. (Liquid should be reduced to about 475ml . If necessary, transfer pork and bamboo shoots with a slotted spoon to a bowl and boil liquid to reduce, then stir in pork and bamboo shoots.) Discard cinnamon stick and season with salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.