Step 1 of 5
Lu rou fan
Fry the sliced shallots in the oil over medium heat, stirring, until golden and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain on paper and keep the oil.
Watch: They go from golden to burnt in under a minute. Pull them a shade early.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Lu rou fan take?
2 hr all in — 20 min prep, 1 hr 40 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 bowls. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Soy, Wheat, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Chef's knife, Rice cooker.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list salt as its own ingredient. Saltiness comes from Soy sauce — 100 ml; Dark soy sauce — 1 tbsp. Taste at the end rather than adding a number we did not write.
How much soy sauce?
100 ml of Soy sauce.
How much dark soy sauce?
1 tbsp of Dark soy sauce.
How much sugar?
2 tbsp (rock sugar, crushed) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Pork belly → Pork shoulder with 100 g extra fat. Leaner and less sticky. The skin on belly is what makes the gravy set.
What should I watch for?
They go from golden to burnt in under a minute. Pull them a shade early.
Any tips from this recipe?
Shop-bought fried shallots are what most Taiwanese home cooks use. No shame in it. It reheats better than it serves fresh. Make it a day ahead. Sliced pickled yellow radish (takuan) on the side is the usual stall garnish.
Can I prepare this ahead?
It reheats better than it serves fresh. Make it a day ahead.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.