Babi Pongteh (Malaysian Pork Stew)

User Reviews

5.0

6 reviews
Excellent

Babi Pongteh (Malaysian Pork Stew)

The aromatic delights of Nyonya cuisine are on full display in the wonderful Babi Pongteh, a bold, umami burst of flavour with meltingly tender pork and meaty shiitake mushrooms.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 dried Chinese mushrooms
  • 2 lb pork (900g)(belly or marbled shoulder - fatty cut)
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup shallots (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp fermented bean paste
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • cups water
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Instructions

  1. Add the shiitake mushrooms to a bowl of water and place a small plate on top to submerge them. Soak for 30 minutes then squeeze out the water. Discard the soaking liquid and set aside the mushrooms.
  2. Using a food processor or stick blender, blend the shallots, 4 of the garlic cloves and bean paste until smooth.
  3. Heat the oil in a wok or casserole pan over a moderate heat until hot. Add the cinnamon stick and then the shallot paste and fry for 5 minutes until the raw onion smell is gone.
  4. Add the pork and remaining 4 garlic cloves (whole) and fry for 1-2 minutes before adding the soy sauce and sugar. Stir well and fry for a further 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the mushrooms to the pan and pour in the water. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 60 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and turn up the heat to medium/high. Let the sauce bubble for 30 minutes to reduce the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
  7. Remove from the heat and serve!

Notes

  • Alternative serving suggestions
  • Pro tips
  • Instead of Shiitake mushrooms, try chunks of potatoes or turnip. Add in the last 30 minutes of cooking (for potatoes) or 20 minutes (for turnip) to ensure they're cooked through. 
  • Try sliced lotus root or bamboo shoots (added near the end of cooking)
  • Experiment with other Chinese/Malay ingredients to enhance and change the flavour ingredients like cloves, dried tangerine/orange peel, star anise and 5-spice powder will all bring a new personality to the dish.
  • The stems of dried mushrooms can become a little tough, even when reconstituted, so I'll often remove them and discard. 
  • Fermented soy bean paste is eaten in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine, so search all sections of the store if you can't find right away.
  • Babi Pongteh works splendidly with noodles. Stir some of the sauce through some freshly boiled egg noodles.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 857kcal (43%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 81g (125%) Saturated Fat 29g (145%) Polyunsaturated Fat 9g Monounsaturated Fat 37g Cholesterol 109mg (36%) Sodium 939mg (39%) Potassium 488mg (14%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 24IU (0%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 43mg (4%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 857 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 857kcal 43%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 17g 34%
Fat 81g 125%
Saturated Fat 29g 145%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g 53%
Monounsaturated Fat 37g 185%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 939mg 39%
Potassium 488mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 24IU 0%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 43mg 4%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

6 reviews
Excellent

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