How to Cook Luna New Year Chinese Style Pork Leg

Chinese-style pork leg is a dish steeped in tradition, celebrated for its rich, unctuous flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This culinary masterpiece has roots in family feasts and festive gatherings, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

How to Cook Luna New Year Chinese Style Pork Leg

Recipe by Cinnamon Gray

luna new years pork leg

Ingredients

• 3lb 7oz pork leg

• 6 slices of ginger

• 1 leek

• 25g lump sugar

• 2 fluid ounces light soy

• 2 fluid ounces dark soy

• 1 fluid ounces wine vinegar

• Spice Bags

• Cinnamon Stick

• Sichuan peppercorn

• dried Bayleaf

• Anise star

• dried Chinese Angelica slice

Directions

• 6 Slices of ginger and chop leek.
• place leg in a deep pan half filled with water, add 6 fluid ounces of vinegar wine, 4 slices of ginger and half the leek.
• bring to boil occasionaly turning meat and removing surface fat this will take around 20/30 minutes.
• cook until when you pierce the meat with your fork no blood leaks out.
• remove the meat from the pot and place in a bowl of water clean the meat and dry with a paper towel.
• Stage 2
• Add some oil to a shallow pan, add lump sugar and and dissolve, place the meat in the pan to give it a brown color.
• Stage 3
• put some oil in a pressure cooker add the rest of the leek and ginger, add 2 fluid ounces of light soy, 2 fluid ounces of dark soy, 1 fluid once of vinegar wine.
• add 1 can of lagar top of with water, season with salt add your spice bags season with salt.
• place the lid cook for 35/40 minutes.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Happy new year!

Its unique combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors has made it a favorite across generations. Cooking this dish requires a harmonious blend of patience and technique, resulting in a centerpiece worthy of any occasion.

Ingredients and Preparation Essentials

To create an authentic Chinese-style pork leg, you’ll need specific ingredients that lay the foundation for its iconic flavor. Essential components include soy sauce (light and dark for balance), Shaoxing wine, rock sugar, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. These elements infuse the meat with a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with substitutes.

As for tools, a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for braising, ensuring even heat distribution. Don’t forget a sharp knife for scoring and a sturdy cutting board for preparation.

Prepping the Pork Leg

The first step is selecting a fresh, bone-in pork leg with a good layer of skin and fat. The skin contributes to the dish’s luxurious texture, while the fat renders into a silky, flavorful sauce.

Wash the pork leg thoroughly, then use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern. This step helps the marinade penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Next, marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and aromatics for at least two hours—overnight is even better.

Cooking Techniques for Chinese Pork Leg

Traditional braising is the gold standard for this dish. Start by searing the pork leg in a hot pan to develop a caramelized crust. Then, transfer it to a pot with the marinade and enough water to cover the meat. Add aromatics like ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the pot, letting it cook slowly for 2-3 hours. The low and slow method allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender enough to fall off the bone.

If you’re short on time, an instant pot or slow cooker can achieve similar results. Adjust the cooking time according to the device, ensuring the pork remains tender and flavorful.

The Flavor Profile: Building Depth and Complexity

The magic of Chinese-style pork leg lies in its intricate flavor profile. Aromatics like ginger and garlic create a robust base, while rock sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce. Star anise and cinnamon impart a warm, earthy aroma that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality levels.

Layering flavors is key—taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to ensure the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

A dish this indulgent deserves equally satisfying sides. Pair the pork leg with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the rich sauce, or serve it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli for a refreshing contrast.

For a show-stopping presentation, slice the pork leg against the grain and drizzle it with the glossy sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

To avoid dryness, ensure the pork leg is fully submerged in liquid during braising. For an even deeper flavor, let the cooked pork leg rest in the sauce for an hour before serving—this allows the meat to absorb the aromatic juices fully.

Leftovers can be transformed into delicious meals, such as shredded pork buns or fried rice. The versatility of this dish ensures that nothing goes to waste.

Mastering the art of Chinese-style pork leg may take a bit of practice, but the rewards are undeniably worth it.