Toasted Pork in Yunnan

Toasted Porket, known as “云南火烧猪” (Yunnan Huo Shao Zhu) in Chinese, is a traditional dish from Yunnan Province, China. It is a popular dish characterized by its succulent and flavorful roasted pork. Here’s how to prepare Yunnan Toasted Porket:

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg pork belly or pork shoulder, skin on
  • 2 tablespoons five-spice powder
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or rice wine)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maltose
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Score the Pork Skin:
    • Using a sharp knife, score the pork skin in a criss-cross pattern. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
  2. Marinate the Pork:
    • In a bowl, mix together the five-spice powder, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey or maltose, brown sugar, salt, ground white pepper, minced garlic, minced ginger, and vegetable oil to create a marinade.
    • Rub the marinade all over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly, including the scored skin. Allow the pork to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  4. Roast the Pork:
    • Place the marinated pork on a wire rack set over a baking tray, with the skin side facing up.
    • Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the meat is cooked through. You can periodically baste the pork with the marinade or pan drippings during the roasting process for extra flavor.
    • If the skin is not crispy enough, you can finish it under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Rest and Serve:
    • Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
    • Slice the Yunnan Toasted Porket into thin pieces and serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil for extra flavor.

Yunnan Toasted Porket is a delicious and satisfying dish with crispy skin and tender meat, infused with the aromatic flavors of the marinade. It’s perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or as a comforting meal any time of the year.