Food in the Philippines: Pulled pork and Chinese sausage cuapao

Pulled pork and Chinese sausage cuapao is an amazing little thing to make for parties or get-togethers with family and friends. 

This recipe serves four and takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook.

To Prepare the Cuapao Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of water
• 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon of Chinese wine
• 1 piece of start anise
• 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 2/4 tablespoon of cornstarch – dissolved in 3/4 tablespoon of water
• salt – to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 300 grams crispy Lechon Liempo (or 600 grams of cooked baby back ribs) if baby back ribs then shred till makes one and a half cups
• 1 piece Chinese sausage – chopped and pan fried
• 8 pieces of cuapao buns – halved
• 1/4 cup pickled mustard leaves – blanched and drained
• 2 tablespoons honey roasted peanuts – crushed

Making the Cuapao Sauce:

• Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan except for the dissolved cornstarch
• Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved (approximately 3 minutes)
• Add cornstarch and cook for about 2 minutes (or until thick)
• Remove star anise and set aside

To Prepare Rest of Ingredients:

• In a bowl, combine shredded pork. cooked Chinese sausage and 1/2 cup cuapao sauce – mix well
• Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of pork mixture on the bottom half of the cuapao
• Top with 1 teaspoon of pickled mustard and 3/4 teaspoon of crushed peanuts
• Top with remaining cuapao half – repeat till making 8 pieces in all
• Steam all for 2 minutes or until the bread is soft
• Serve immediately with extra cuapao sauce on the side