Custrd is out now on the App Store and Google Play — Try it free for 7 days →
Back to recipes

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
Dongbei Iron Pot Stew
comfortheartychineseporktenderheartyMain courseweeknight

Ingredients

7 items — tap to check off

Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.

Open the app

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high until shimmering, ~90 seconds.

  2. Step 2

    Working in batches, sear pork until browned on 2 sides, ~3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.

  3. Step 3

    Add doubanjiang to the pot and stir constantly for 60 seconds until fragrant and darkened.

  4. Step 4

    Return pork to the pot. Add broth, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables; bring to a simmer.

  5. Step 5

    Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until pork begins to soften.

  6. Step 6

    Add potatoes, stir, and cover. Continue simmering 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and pork is easily pierced.

  7. 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.