Northeastern Sauerkraut and Pork Belly Stew (Suan Cai Dun Rou)
Local name: 酸菜炖五花肉
In short: Northeastern comfort stew of pork belly, tangy pickled napa cabbage and glass noodles simmered until silky, made for cold winter days. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 55 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 540 kcal
In the cold northeast of China, families pickle whole napa cabbage in autumn to last the winter, and suan cai stew is the result. Pork belly simmers until tender with the sour cabbage, then sweet potato noodles go in to soak up the broth. The dish is rich, sour and warming, and it is often served from a big pot in the middle of the table. Dip the meat in garlicky chili sauce if you like.
Instructions
- Soak the vermicelli in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain. Rinse the pickled cabbage and, if it is very salty, soak it for 10 minutes. Squeeze it dry and shred it.
- Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the pork with the ginger, scallions, star anise and chilies. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes until some fat renders and the slices turn lightly golden.
- Add the wine and soy sauce and stir for 30 seconds. Add the pickled cabbage and stir for 3 minutes so it picks up the flavor.
- Pour in the hot water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, until the pork is very tender.
- Add the vermicelli and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, until translucent and soft. Taste and add salt only if needed, since the cabbage is already salty.
- Scatter the cilantro on top and serve straight from the pot, with chili sauce on the side.
Tips
- German-style sauerkraut works well if you cannot find Chinese suan cai. Rinse it and squeeze it dry so the stew is not too sour.
- Cubed firm tofu or fresh mushrooms can go in for the last 10 minutes. Skim the surface if the broth looks too oily.
Questions and answers
Is the stew very sour?
It is pleasantly sour rather than sharp. Rinsing the cabbage and cooking it with the pork mellows the sourness, and you can add a little sugar if it is too tart.
Can I make suan cai stew ahead of time?
Yes, and the flavor deepens overnight. Add the vermicelli only when reheating, as it swells and turns mushy if stored in the broth.
Can I use leaner pork?
Pork shoulder works and gives a lighter stew. Simmer it a little longer, about 45 minutes, until tender, and add a teaspoon more oil at the start.
How long does it take to make Northeastern Sauerkraut and Pork Belly Stew (Suan Cai Dun Rou)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 55 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Northeastern Sauerkraut and Pork Belly Stew (Suan Cai Dun Rou)?
About 540 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 43 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 540 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 43 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
