Sichuan Braised Pork Cheeks Recipe

Updated August 30, 2018

Adapted from Land of Plenty by Fuschia Dunlop.

The spicy and rich sauce can be spooned over rice or noodles and served with vegetables, roasted or braised. Daikon is the classic Sichuan pairing for red-braised meat, but root vegetables of any kind would be good, as would cauliflower or long-cooked greens.

For more on pork cheeks, see our recipe for pork cheeks braised in tomato wine sauce.

Recipe Details

Sichuan Braised Pork Cheeks Recipe

Active 30 mins

Total 3 hrs 30 mins

Serves 4 to 6 servings

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Ingredients

3 pounds pork cheeks
1- to 2-inch piece ginger
2 scallions
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 tablespoons Sichuan-style chile bean paste
5 cups stock or water
1/4 cup Shaoxing rice wine
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
1 Tsao Kor (cao guo or false cardamom), optional
Cilantro to garnish
A few tablespoons cooking oil, for browning
Salt and pepper for sprinkling

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Dry pork cheeks and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan in batches, taking care not to crowd the meat. Cook until the surface is browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side, flipping only once or twice so as not to disturb browning. Remove with tongs to a plate and brown remaining cheeks, adding more oil if needed. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Add chili bean paste to the Dutch oven and stir-fry until the paste starts to smell fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add stock, wine, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and spices. Return pork cheeks to pan, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer
Cover pan and transfer to oven. Braise until cheeks are very tender, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Allow meat to cool and settle in liquid (for best results cover and refrigerate overnight). Skim fat from surface and reheat gently. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice and vegetables.

Special Equipment

Dutch oven

Pork Cheeks Braised in Tomato Wine Sauce Recipe

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
433	Calories
22g	Fat
3g	Carbs
51g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories	433
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g	29%
Saturated Fat 5g	25%
Cholesterol 143mg	48%
Sodium 1613mg	70%
Total Carbohydrate 3g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 51g
Vitamin C 10mg	49%
Calcium 38mg	3%
Iron 1mg	8%
Potassium 750mg	16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.