Ingredients

3 lbs boneless pork loin or 3 lbs pork butt , trimmed
1 cup yellow onion , chopped
1/3 cup chinese rice wine or 1/3 cup dry sherry
2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
6 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
3 tablespoons oil
3 cups water
1/4 cup chinese rice wine or 1/4 cup dry sherry
1 tablespoon cornstarch , dissolved in
2 tablespoons water
Seven Flavor Slow-Cooked Pork, also known as Ba Zheng Gu, is a classic Cantonese dish that is often served at Chinese restaurants, especially during special occasions, such as weddings or Chinese New Year. The dish gets its name from the seven distinct flavors that come together to create a rich and aromatic taste, including savory, sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, aromatic, and pungent. The pork is typically slow-cooked in a flavorful marinade that includes soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese five spice, turmeric, onion, and rice wine, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat that is packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy winter meal or a festive gathering with friends and family.

Instructions

1.Cut the pork into 1 1/2 inch cubes.
2.In a large bowl, marinate the pork with onion, rice wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, bay leaves, turmeric, white pepper, and Chinese five spice powder for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
3.In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil and stir-fry the pork mixture until fragrant and lightly browned.
4.Add 3 cups of water and additional 1/4 cup rice wine, and bring to a boil.
5.Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 40 minutes over low heat.
6.Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium and stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually until the sauce is thickened. Serve hot with rice.

PROS

Seven Flavor Slow-Cooked Pork is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic Cantonese dish at home.
The pork is tender and aromatic, infused with the flavors of Chinese five spice, turmeric, onion, and soy sauce.

The dish is a crowd-pleaser, as it is rich, flavorful, and satisfying and can easily feed a large family or a group of friends.

CONS

This dish is high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation.
Additionally, the pork requires a marinade time of at least 20 minutes or overnight, which may not be feasible for those who are short on time.
Lastly, the pork requires slow cooking for 40 minutes, which may make it less ideal for quick weeknight meals.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Seven Flavor Slow-Cooked Pork is a good source of protein and healthy fats, and it is suitable for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat diet.
The pork is infused with turmeric, which boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help boost the immune system and improve brain function.
The dish contains Chinese five spice powder, which is a blend of five different spices typically used in Chinese cuisine and known for its antioxidant properties.

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