Braised pork is also called Dongpo pork. Dongpo pork is a traditional dish in Hangzhou, Zhejiang and is famous throughout the country. Dongpo pork is loved by everyone for its soft, glutinous and delicious texture, and its fat but not greasy texture. Many Jiangnan people also like to make this Dongpo pork at home. So what spices should be added to Dongpo Pork? Today I will unlock this secret for you.

1. Star anise

When making Dongpo pork, you can add some star anise. The shape of an octagonal star is similar to that of a five-pointed star because it has eight pointed corners. Star anise has a unique aroma, which can remove the fishy smell from the meat, and also increases the aroma, so it is very suitable to be added to the meat when making Dongpo pork. Of course, don’t put too much, otherwise the strong flavor will cover up the delicious flavor of the meat itself, so just 2-3 star anise is enough.

2. Caoguo

Caoguo actually belongs to the ginger family and has the effect of removing fishy smell. Moreover, the dried grass fruits will also have fragrance, so when making Dongpo pork, you can add a few grass fruits to remove the fishy smell of the meat and enhance the freshness of the meat, making Dongpo meat easier to eat. It tastes more delicious when it comes up. When storing the grass fruit, it is best to keep it whole and not damaged, otherwise it will affect the taste of Dongpo Pork.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon, also known as cinnamon, is the bark of fine-leaf cinnamon, cinnamon and other trees. Although it looks inconspicuous, cinnamon bark has a very strong cinnamon flavor and is a top-quality product used to make food spices or cooking seasonings. Therefore, when making Dongpo pork, it is very suitable to add cinnamon. Usually the cinnamon bark is bought in pieces, so it is usually enough to put 3-5 pieces of cinnamon bark. The aroma from this cinnamon bark is enough to enhance the taste of Dongpo Pork.

4. Sichuan peppercorns

Authentic Dongpo pork does not contain Sichuan peppercorns. But now many areas will improve Dongpo pork, especially some areas that are not used to the sweet taste of Dongpo pork, and will add some Sichuan peppercorns to enhance the flavor to make the taste more suitable for their hometowns. In fact, you can also add peppercorns. A small amount of peppercorns will not affect the taste, as long as the peppercorns do not stick to the meat.

In fact, when making Dongpo Pork, don’t add too many spices. The right amount of spices will have the effect of adding a finishing touch. If you add too many spices or mix them too much, it will turn the food into a mess. The fresh aroma of the pork belly itself is covered up, so that you only get the flavor of the spices, which is a bit overwhelming. Friends who like this dish can try making it yourself.