Taiwanese Comfort Pork Rice Bowl
Experience the warm and savory flavors of Taiwan with this traditional Comfort Pork Rice Bowl. Inspired by a cherished family recipe from my Taiwanese friend, this dish combines ground pork infused with aromatic garlic, rich soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from sugar. Topped with crispy fried shallots for added texture, it's served over fluffy steamed rice that absorbs the robust sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household as you gather around the table to share moments filled with flavor and love.
4
Servings
450
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Pork
1 lb (uncooked)
Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Minced Garlic
4 tablespoons (fresh)
Fried Shallots
1 (3 ounce) package (store-bought)
Water
2 cups (as needed)
Soy Sauce
1/3-1/2 cup (adjust for taste)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
Rice Wine
1 tablespoon (cooking)
Five-Spice Powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
MSG
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Steamed Rice
to serve (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground pork over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2
In a pot, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4
Return the cooked pork to the pot, and stir in the package of fried shallots, mixing well.
5
Pour in the water, followed by soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, five-spice powder, black pepper, and MSG (if using). Stir to combine.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
After 45 minutes, uncover the pot and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
8
Serve the flavorful pork mixture over warm steamed rice and garnish with extra fried shallots if desired.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
40
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taiwanese Comfort Pork Rice Bowl?
It is a traditional savory dish featuring ground pork simmered with garlic, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, served over fluffy steamed rice.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 pound of ground pork.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this pork rice bowl?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is MSG required for this recipe?
No, the use of 1/2 teaspoon of MSG is optional based on your preference.
What gives the dish its distinct Taiwanese flavor?
The combination of five-spice powder, fried shallots, soy sauce, and rice wine provides the authentic flavor profile.
How long should the pork mixture simmer?
The pork should simmer for a total of 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
What type of oil is recommended for sauteing?
One teaspoon of vegetable oil is recommended for sauteing the garlic.
Can I substitute the fried shallots?
While store-bought fried shallots are traditional, you can fry your own fresh shallots for a similar effect.
What should I do with the excess fat after browning the pork?
You should drain the excess fat from the skillet after the ground pork is fully cooked.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
What is the purpose of simmering the sauce uncovered for 15 minutes?
Simmering uncovered allows the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly for a better consistency.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a Taiwanese comfort food dish, ideal for a hearty family meal.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water.
What kind of rice should I use?
Fluffy steamed white rice is traditionally used to absorb the robust sauce.
Can I adjust the amount of soy sauce?
Yes, you can use between 1/3 to 1/2 cup of soy sauce depending on your taste preference.
Does this recipe use sugar?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar is added to provide a touch of sweetness.
What type of rice wine is used?
One tablespoon of cooking rice wine is used to add depth to the sauce.
Is there black pepper in this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much five-spice powder is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of ground five-spice powder.
What is the preparation style for the ground pork?
The pork starts uncooked and is browned in a skillet before being added to the pot.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients including the optional MSG and rice for serving.
Can this be considered a quick meal?
While the simmering takes an hour, the preparation steps are straightforward, making it a relatively simple meal to prepare.
What are the main flavor notes of this dish?
The dish is primarily savory and aromatic with a slight sweetness and rich umami from the soy sauce.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific tradition?
Yes, it is inspired by a cherished family recipe from a Taiwanese friend.
What garnish is recommended for the rice bowl?
You can garnish the finished bowl with extra fried shallots for added texture.
Should the garlic be sautéed before adding the pork?
Yes, the minced garlic should be sautéed in oil for about 1 minute until fragrant before returning the pork to the pot.