Chinese Red Sauce Pork
A savory Chinese red sauce pork featuring tender braised pork shoulder in a sweet soy glaze, complemented by fresh spinach for a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a heavy pot without oil over medium-high heat.
- Place green onions at the bottom of the pot, then add the pork on top of the green onions.
- Pour sherry wine over the pork until it sizzles, then add mashed ginger, soy sauce, and water to cover almost three-quarters of the pork.
- Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about one hour, turning the pork occasionally to brown evenly.
- After an hour, add sugar to the pot.
- Adjust with additional soy sauce and water as necessary during cooking.
- Cook until the pork is nicely browned (minimum of 2 hours) and easily pulled with chopsticks.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil, drop spinach leaves into boiling water for a couple of seconds, then drain immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork in soy sauce and sherry wine overnight. If you don't have sherry, dry white wine or rice wine can be good substitutes. To enhance the dish, add a splash of Chinese rice vinegar for a tangy kick. If you're short on time, using pork tenderloin can reduce cooking time, but be mindful of the moisture level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Red Sauce Pork over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Stir-Fried Chicken And Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes or Easy Chinese Chicken Salad for a delightful spread. Garnish with additional green onions for a fresh touch and consider serving with a side of Chinese mustard sauce for an added flavor kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also use a microwave, but cover the dish to trap steam and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Red Sauce Pork contains roughly 130 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1121mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cuts like pork loin or belly, but keep in mind that tougher cuts like shoulder are recommended for their flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as leaner cuts may cook faster.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with sautéed greens or a fresh salad, such as Easy Chinese Chicken Salad, to balance the richness of the pork.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the protein is properly cooked and infused with flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).