Apple Braised Pork Belly Recipe | Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pressure Cooker Hong Shao Rou

Tender Apple Braised Pork Belly cooked in a pressure cooker with soy sauce, ginger, star anise, and fresh apples for a melt-in-your-mouth meal.

A secret layer of fresh apples transforms classic braised pork belly into an unbelievably tender, juicy, and flavorful comfort meal.

Introduction

If you're looking for the ultimate Apple Braised Pork Belly Recipe, this pressure cooker version is packed with rich flavor and an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Fresh apple slices naturally sweeten the sauce, tenderize the pork, and balance the richness without making the dish overly sweet. This easy Hong Shao Rou recipe is perfect for family dinners and tastes amazing served over steamed rice.


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Recipe Information

  • Recipe Name: Apple Braised Pork Belly

  • Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired

  • Category: Main Course

  • Cooking Method: Pressure Cooker

  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes

  • Natural Release: 10 Minutes

  • Total Time: 40 Minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Main

  • 700g pork belly, cut into bite-sized cubes

  • 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and sliced

Aromatics

  • 2 scallions (white parts), cut into sections

  • 8 slices fresh ginger

  • 2 star anise

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 3 dried red chilies

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or rock sugar)

  • 1 bowl water

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Arrange the apple slices evenly at the bottom of the pressure cooker.

  2. Place the pork belly cubes over the apples.

  3. Add scallions, ginger, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and dried chilies.

  4. Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.

  5. Add one bowl of water.

  6. Close the pressure cooker lid securely.

  7. Cook under pressure for 15 minutes on low heat.

  8. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

  9. Remove the whole spices.

  10. Simmer on medium heat until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

  11. Garnish with chopped green onions.

  12. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Pro Tips

  • Choose pork belly with equal layers of meat and fat.

  • Apples naturally tenderize the pork while balancing the richness.

  • Don't skip natural pressure release for softer meat.

  • Reduce the sauce until it beautifully coats every piece.

  • Rock sugar creates a richer caramel flavor.

Variations

  • Add boiled eggs for a traditional Chinese-style braise.

  • Replace apple with Asian pear for a sweeter taste.

  • Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.

  • Make it spicy with extra dried chilies.

  • Finish with toasted sesame seeds.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Store the pork together with the sauce to keep it moist.

Reheating Instructions

  • Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

  • Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

  • Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this without a pressure cooker?

Yes. Simmer in a covered pot for about 90–120 minutes.

Which apple works best?

Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are excellent choices.

Can I skip oyster sauce?

Yes, but the flavor won't be as rich.

Why use apples?

Apples naturally sweeten, tenderize, and reduce the greasy taste.

What should I serve it with?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, noodles, or bok choy.

Final Result

The finished Apple Braised Pork Belly is beautifully glossy, rich, juicy, and incredibly tender. Every bite melts in your mouth while the apples create a naturally balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the savory soy-based sauce.

Conclusion

This easy Pressure Cooker Apple Braised Pork Belly recipe proves that one simple ingredient can completely transform a classic dish. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

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