Asian-Style Braised Pork Back with Ginger and Star Anise

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork back pieces slowly braised in a fragrant broth of ginger, garlic, and star anise for an aromatic and rich dish. This Asian-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 195 minutes, pairs pork back pieces, fresh ginger, sliced, garlic cloves, smashed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 5 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 pounds pork back pieces and sear for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 inches sliced fresh ginger, 6 smashed garlic cloves, and 3 star anise pods to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 4 cups water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until pork is tender and infused with the aromatic broth.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 chopped scallions before serving alongside steamed rice or greens for a warming Asian-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Asian-Style Braised Pork Back with Ginger and Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Asian-Style Braised Pork Back with Ginger and Star Anise?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork back pieces from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Asian-Style Braised Pork Back with Ginger and Star Anise?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Asian-Style Braised Pork Back with Ginger and Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Asian-Style Braised Pork Back with Ginger and Star Anise?

Asian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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