Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice, known as “Lu Rou Fan,” is a beloved comfort food that captures the essence of Taiwanese cuisine. This dish features succulent, tender minced pork simmered in a savory and slightly sweet soy sauce mixture, served over fluffy white rice. The melding of flavors and aromas creates a dish that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its rich and complex flavors that are surprisingly easy to achieve. The combination of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and shallots creates a mouthwatering sauce that seeps into the minced pork, infusing every bite with umami goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This dish also fits well within a balanced diet, as it offers protein, carbs, and the option to add fresh vegetables on the side.
Tips and Tricks
To make your Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice truly shine, consider these tips:
- Use a mix of fatty and lean pork for the best flavor and texture. The fat will render down, enhancing the sauce.
- Marinate the minced pork for at least 30 minutes before cooking to develop deeper flavors.
- If you’re short on time, use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process while maintaining tenderness.
- Don’t skip the scallions and pickled vegetables as they provide a fresh contrast to the rich pork.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare the braised pork in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to cook your rice fresh, as it’s best served warm. If you plan to freeze the pork, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize your Lu Rou Fan with these variations:
- Swap out pork for minced chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative.
- Add hard-boiled eggs to the braising liquid for a traditional touch.
- Experiment with different spices, such as star anise or ginger, to tailor the flavor to your liking.
How to Serve
Serve your Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice in a deep bowl to capture all the delicious sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. You can also add pickled mustard greens or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
For beverage pairings, consider a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Taiwanese beer. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a cup of jasmine tea or iced oolong tea complements the dish beautifully. As for desserts, a light mango pudding or taro balls would round out the meal perfectly.
How to Store
To store leftovers, place the braised pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When reheating, make sure to do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out.
Equipment Needed
All you need for this recipe is a large skillet or wok for braising the pork, a cutting board and knife for prepping your ingredients, and a pot for cooking the rice. If you have a pressure cooker, it can be a great alternative to speed up the cooking time.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this dish vegan, you can substitute minced pork with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option, and replace the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring or summer, consider adding fresh vegetables such as bok choy or snap peas to the braise. In the fall and winter, root vegetables like carrots or radishes can add heartiness to the dish. Adjust your garnishes seasonally as well, using fresh herbs that are abundant.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?
Yes, ground turkey can be a healthier alternative, but keep in mind the flavor may differ slightly.
What if I can’t find five-spice powder?
You can make a substitute by combining equal parts cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, along with a pinch of ground ginger and black pepper.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
It typically takes about 30-40 minutes on a low simmer for the pork to become tender and flavorful, depending on the heat level.
Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice
Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice, known as “Lu Rou Fan,” is a beloved comfort food that captures the essence of Taiwanese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound minced pork (preferably a mix of fatty and lean)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 shallots, diced
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine minced pork, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and five-spice powder. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and shallots, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the marinated minced pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions.
- Once the pork is ready, serve it over a bed of rice and garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 438Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 732mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 35g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Taiwanese Braised Minced Pork Over Rice is a dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that transports you straight to the streets of Taiwan. With its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and endless adaptability, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor every bite of this delicious classic!
