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Sichuan-inspired · Recipes

Twice-cooked Pork

回锅肉 · Huí guō ròu

Pork belly is simmered first, sliced, then tossed with chilli bean paste and leeks. The two cooking stages create its distinct texture.

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Prep20 min
Cook45 min
Serves3
DifficultyMedium
Twice-cooked Pork — ingredient illustration, not a photo
Original ingredient illustration · not a photograph · China Table · CC0 1.0
Recipe guide · not yet kitchen-testedAI-assisted editorial draft. Timing depends on your stove, pan, and ingredient size. Use the doneness checks below.

Let’s get cooking

  1. 01

    Simmer the pork

    Put pork and ginger in water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer 25–35 minutes until the centre reaches at least 63°C.

  2. 02

    Rest and slice

    Rest at least 3 minutes, then cool just enough to handle. Slice about 3 mm thick; keep raw-meat utensils separate.

  3. 03

    Render slices

    Warm oil over medium heat. Add pork slices and cook 3–5 minutes until some edges curl; spoon off excess fat.

  4. 04

    Cook the paste

    Lower heat, stir in doubanjiang, and cook about 30 seconds without burning.

  5. 05

    Finish with greens

    Add leeks and sugar, toss 3–4 minutes until cooked. Taste before adding optional soy sauce.

A little kitchen wisdom

Bean paste is salty; extra soy sauce is optional. Slice the pork across the grain when possible.

Can’t find an ingredient?

Green garlic: Thin leek slices work, with a sweeter and milder flavour.

Cook safely

Whole cuts of pork must reach 63°C / 145°F, then rest at least 3 minutes. Ground pork must reach 71°C / 160°F.

FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗