Hawaii has a rich culinary heritage; one of its gems is Okinawan Shoyu Pork. This dish, known locally as Rafute, is all about flavor. Imagine a tender braised pork belly that melts in your mouth. It’s both sweet and savory, making it a perfect comfort food.
Shoyu Pork is straightforward to make. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers big on taste. You might find it at local Hawaiian restaurants, but cooking at home is also popular. The depth of flavor comes from simmering the pork with shoyu sauce until it’s richly satisfying. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in Hawaii. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a piece of Hawaii into your kitchen!
Yummy Shoyu Pork Recipe • Cooking Hawaiian Style – cookinghawaiianstyle.com – View recipe
Okinawa Shoyu Pork Recipe – allrecipes – View recipe
Rafute (Okinawan Shoyu Pork) – Onolicious Hawaiʻi – onolicioushawaii.com – View recipe
Okinawan Shoyu Pork Belly – She’s Almost Always Hungry – View recipe
Serving and Enjoying Shoyu Pork
It’s time to serve when the pork is tender, and the sauce has thickened. I usually pair it with steamed white rice. The rich and savory sauce seeps into the rice, making each bite delicious. I like to add a side of steamed vegetables for balance. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness and color.
The first bite is heavenly—sweet, salty, and full of depth. The pork belly melts in your mouth. For a true Hawaiian experience, I enjoy it with a side of macaroni salad. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that reminds me of home-cooked goodness. Trust me, your family and friends will love it as much as mine.
Variations and Tips
There are many ways to tweak this Shoyu Pork recipe to suit your tastes. Sometimes, I add extra ginger for a spicier kick. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly. For a deeper umami flavor, try adding a splash of fish sauce. Vegetables like carrots or onions can be added to the pot for a heartier meal.
For those watching their sodium intake, use a low-sodium soy sauce. You can swap pork belly for pork shoulder if you want a leaner cut.
Please don’t rush the process; simmering the pork makes it tender and flavorful. Remember to turn the pieces so they cook evenly. These small adjustments can make this dish uniquely yours.
FAQs
What makes Shoyu Pork different from other pork dishes?
A2: The unique combination of soy sauce (shoyu), sugar, and other seasonings gives Shoyu Pork its distinctive sweet and savory flavor. It’s a rustic and comforting dish, often enjoyed with rice.
Who demonstrated this recipe?
Bea Shimabukuro of Hui Makaala demonstrated the Shoyu Pork recipe on September 1, 1995.
What’s the best side dish to serve with Shoyu Pork?
Shoyu Pork is best enjoyed with a serving of steamed rice, which complements its rich and flavorful sauce.
What is Rafute?
A8: Rafute is the traditional Okinawan dish, and Shoyu Pork is the Hawaiian version. It involves braising pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings.
Hey readers! Chip Holland here, and I’m a Manager of this website. My passion for writing about it only matches my passion for BBQ. Follow my blog for mouth-watering recipes, tips, and tricks for the perfect smoke, grill, and BBQ. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!