At the table
Take a small piece and let it cool before biting; cut larger cubes into manageable bites. The skin and fat are part of the serving. Eggs or tofu knots, if included, have cooked in the same sauce.
Contains pork. Soy sauce may contain soy and wheat; versions with eggs or tofu add egg or soy, and rice wine may be used in cooking. Check the full recipe for allergies or dietary restrictions. The meat and sauce may be hot, and some cuts may include bone.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
The pork can be browned before braising and the sauce reduced with rock sugar. Eggs or tofu knots are optional additions.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet and savory
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft skin and fat, tender lean meat.
- How it’s made
- Lightly brown pork, braise in soy-seasoned liquid and reduce with rock sugar.
The pork can be browned before braising and the sauce reduced with rock sugar. Eggs or tofu knots are optional additions.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有上海红烧肉吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Layers beneath Shanghai’s glossy sauce
Shanghai red-braised pork brings together the skin, fat and lean layers of pork belly. Slow cooking softens them in different ways, while soy sauce and sugar build the dish’s sweet-savory glaze. It is a familiar part of family meals as well as restaurant cooking. Eggs or tofu-sheet knots may share the pot, absorbing the pork sauce; the additions and sweetness vary between preparations.
