Dongbei Iron Pot Stew
A hearty Northeastern Chinese braise of pork, potatoes, and pickled vegetables in a savory-spiced broth. One pot, 50 minutes, deeply satisfying comfort food.
- Total time
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 38g

Ingredients
7 items — tap to check off
Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.
Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high until shimmering, ~90 seconds.
Step 2
Working in batches, sear pork until browned on 2 sides, ~3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3
Add doubanjiang to the pot and stir constantly for 60 seconds until fragrant and darkened.
Step 4
Return pork to the pot. Add broth, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables; bring to a simmer.
Step 5
Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until pork begins to soften.
Step 6
Add potatoes, stir, and cover. Continue simmering 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and pork is easily pierced.
Step 7
Taste and adjust soy sauce if needed. Serve hot in bowls with plenty of broth.
Tools you’ll need
- 5-quart heavy pot with lid (cast iron or ceramic is traditional)
- cutting board
- knife
- spoon or ladle
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
Custrd is an iPhone and Android app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations. Try it free for 7 days.



