Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1129 · Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork

Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork, and where to source it

Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork Chinese 5best2buy.com

Cook the sugar to a real caramel and coat the pork in it first, which gives the finished braise its mahogany color and glossy skin.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook1 hr 15 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineChinese
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Pork belly, skin on
1.5 lb
680 g
Local / market
Rock sugar
2 tbsp
30 ml
Local / market
Shaoxing wine
3 tbsp
45 ml
Local / market
Light soy sauce
2 tbsp
30 ml
Dark soy sauce
1 tsp
5 ml
Ginger, sliced
4 slices
4 slices
Local / market
Dried red chilies
4
4
Local / market
Star anise
2
2
Local / market
Cinnamon stick
1
1
Local / market
Scallions
3
3
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Cut the belly into 1-inch cubes and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and pat dry.PT8M
  2. Melt the rock sugar in a little oil over low heat until it turns amber, then add the pork and turn to coat every piece in caramel.PT5M
  3. Splash in the wine, both soys, ginger, chilies, and spices, add water to nearly cover, and simmer covered on low for one hour.PT60M
  4. Uncover, add the scallions, and boil hard to reduce the sauce to a clinging glaze, turning the pork so it coats evenly.PT12M
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Cleaver · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Chairman Mao Red-Braised Pork vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1129