Braised Cola Pork Belly

Steps

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1. 1
   Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced pork belly and spread it out. Pan-fry for about 4–5 minutes, browning the meat slightly and rendering out the fat.
   ▶ ≈1:08
2. 2
   Push the pork to one side. Add the chopped red onion, star anise, garlic cloves, and cinnamon bark. Fry until fragrant, then mix everything together.
   ▶ ≈2:17
3. 3
   Add the rice wine and stir. Pour in the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Mix until the pork is well coated with the seasonings.
   ▶ ≈2:55
4. 4
   Pour in enough regular cola to cover the pork. Do not use diet cola or sugar-free versions. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
   ▶ ≈3:53
5. 5
   After 20 minutes of braising, add the carrot chunks. After another 10 minutes, add the potato chunks. Stir to ensure the potatoes are coated with the sauce.
   ▶ ≈4:30
6. 6
   Continue cooking covered for another 15–20 minutes until the total braising time reaches 45 minutes for thin-sliced pork or 60 minutes for thick-cut pork.
   ▶ ≈5:09
7. 7
   Turn heat to medium and uncover. Reduce the sauce by about one-third until it becomes glossy and caramelised.
   ▶ ≈5:42
8. 8
   Taste the dish and add salt. Stir in cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce to your preferred consistency.
   ▶ ≈6:09
9. 9
   Plate and serve with steamed rice. The braised cola pork belly is ready to enjoy.
   ▶ ≈6:47