Indulge in a versatile and flavorful dish that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This Braised Pork with Lime and Chile is a high-mileage recipe that can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking delicious meals throughout the week. This is one of those dishes that you cook once and eat many times. You can, of course, eat it hot with lots of rice or noodles and stir-fried vegetables. With tender and succulent pork shoulder cooked in a tantalizing blend of soy sauce, lime juice, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
MAKES: 4 to 6 servings
TIME: About 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 fresh hot chile, seeded and minced, or 1 dried hot chile, seeded and crumbled, or to taste
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, excess fat removed, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or nam pla (Thai fish sauce) or half of each
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken, beef, or vegetable stock or water
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large pot with a lid, combine all the ingredients except for 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and the salt and pepper. If time permits, refrigerate the mixture for up to a day to enhance the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a minimum. Cook the pork covered, stirring every 10 minutes, until it becomes tender, which should take less than an hour. (If desired, you can refrigerate the dish at this point for a day or two before proceeding.)
- Remove the lid, increase the heat, and boil until the liquid is reduced to less than 1 cup, approximately 10 minutes. Taste the dish, adding plenty of pepper and some salt if needed. Adjust the flavors as necessary by adding more pepper, chile, or soy sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining lime juice over the dish and serve immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate the dish and enjoy it in various ways. Slice the meat and reheat it in the sauce, use it cold in sandwiches, or add it to stir-fries, rice, or noodle bowls for a delightful and versatile dining experience.
VARIATION:
Braised Pork with Tofu: In Step 3, remove the roast from the pot and allow it to cool for a few minutes. As you reduce the sauce, stir in 1 pound of cubed firm tofu. Slice the roast and serve it topped with the sauce and tofu, garnishing with chopped scallions for a delightful twist on this already exquisite dish.
With its delightful combination of zesty lime, spicy chile, and tender pork, this Braised Pork with Lime and Chile recipe promises to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Whether you savor it hot over rice and noodles or enjoy it cold in sandwiches, this dish’s robust flavors and simple preparation will keep you coming back for more. Embrace the versatility of this recipe and let it become your ultimate solution for delicious meals throughout the week.
