Hunan Steamed Pork is a savory, tender Chinese-inspired dish featuring thinly sliced pork seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices, then steamed until juicy and flavorful. It’s an easy comfort-food dish that pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1½ lbs (680 g) pork shoulder or pork belly, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1–2 tablespoons water
For Serving
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro, optional
- Thinly sliced red or green chilies, optional
- Steamed white rice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
If using pork shoulder or pork belly, place it in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
Cut the pork into thin, bite-sized slices and place them in a large bowl.
2. Marinate
Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, sugar, white pepper, and salt.
Mix thoroughly until every piece of pork is coated.
Add the cornstarch and water, then mix again. The cornstarch helps create a silky coating and keeps the pork tender during steaming.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to several hours for deeper flavor.
3. Arrange for Steaming
Transfer the marinated pork to a heatproof shallow dish. Spread the slices into an even layer so they steam evenly.
Place the dish inside a steamer once the water is producing a steady stream of steam.
4. Steam the Pork
Cover and steam for approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pork.
The pork should be completely cooked and tender. Check the thickest pieces to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Garnish
Carefully remove the hot dish from the steamer. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and, if desired, fresh cilantro and sliced chilies.
Serve immediately with plenty of steamed rice.
Tips for Tender Hunan Steamed Pork
- Slice the pork thinly: Thin slices cook more evenly and become tender more quickly.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even 30 minutes gives the pork much more flavor.
- Use pork shoulder: It has enough fat to stay juicy while steaming.
- Steam only after the water is boiling: This gives you consistent cooking.
- Add chilies for heat: Hunan-style dishes are often known for their bold, spicy flavors.
Optional Spicy Hunan Version
For a more traditional spicy kick, add 1–2 tablespoons of chopped fermented chili peppers or chili paste to the marinade. You can also sprinkle crushed dried chilies over the pork before steaming.
Adjust the amount according to your preferred heat level.
What to Serve With It
Hunan Steamed Pork is delicious alongside:
- Steamed jasmine or white rice
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Garlic green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Cucumber salad
- Stir-fried cabbage
- Pickled vegetables
The tender pork, savory marinade, and spicy aromatics make this a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.