The sweet & savoury flavours from the mouth-watering pork bellies & the mollusc, rounded out by gentle heat from chilli padi were a knock-out! It was a match made in heaven, ten abalones are definitely not enough!
3 Slabs of Pork Bellies 10 Abalones 3 pkt of Quail Eggs 20 Chinese Mushrooms (soaked) 1 can of Button Mushrooms 2 pkt of Taupok or Tofu Cubes 2 pkt of Taukee 10 cloves of Garlic 1 piece of Rock sugar (med-size) 1 litre Water 1 tbsp Cooking oil ½ cup of Dark Soya sauce 2 tsp Light Soya sauce 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine 3 tbsp Sesame oil
Marinate for Pork: 2 tbsp Oyster sauce 1 tbsp Dark Soya sauce Pinch of Cornflour Dash of salt & pepper
Pan fry pork bellies together with rock sugar to seal in the juices as well as to give it a nice glaze. Throw in the mushrooms & garlic. Add water & seasonings. Simmer for about 10 mins.
Throw in taupok & taukee. Mix well & cook till soft.
Transfer the mixture into a slower cooker to cook at high heat for 30 mins, then put it on auto for 2 - 3hrs. *For better taste, make sure the pork bellies are on the top layer so the juices from the meat will "flow" down.
Just before serving, scoop up some of the taupok mixture onto a claypot & add eggs & button mushrooms. Mix well.
Cut pork bellies into slices & place on top of claypot. Arrange abalones neatly on top, cover & simmer for 30 mins or more. Timing depending on preference in abalone texture.