CHAIRMAN MAO'S RED BRAISED PORK RECIPES

Steps:

• Plunge the pork into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 3-4 minutes until partially cooked; remove and, when cool enough to handle, cut in bite-sized chunks.
• Heat the oil and sugar in a wok over low heat until the sugar melts, then raise the heat and stir until the melted sugar turns a rich caramel brown; add the pork and splash in the wine.
• Add enough water just to cover the pork, along with the ginger, star anise, chilies and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes.
• Toward the end of the cooking time, turn up the heat to reduce the sauce, and season with soy sauce, salt and a little sugar to taste; add the scallion greens just before serving.

Steps:

• Place the pork in a large saucepan and cover with water. Place over high heat and bring to the boil. Allow to boil for 15 minutes, then remove the pork and discard the water. Rinse the pan and set aside. Wash the pork under running water to remove any scum, then cut into 5cm blocks; the pork will not be cooked through. Place the rinsed pan back over medium heat and add the oil and half the sugar. Fry the sugar until it becomes a dark caramel, then add the pork and stir to coat. Add the Shaoxing wine, salt, ginger, star anise, chillies, cassia and enough cold water to just cover the pork. Bring to a simmer, cover with a cartouche of baking paper and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the cartouche. Stir in the soy sauce, then simmer, uncovered, for a further 15–20 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the liquid slightly reduced and glossy. Taste the liquid and adjust any seasoning if necessary. Allow to stand for 15 minutes and reheat if needed before serving.