10cm/4in piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced in rounds
12 spring onions
570ml/1 pint pork or chicken stock (if available, otherwise water)
a good pinch of dried chilli flakes
75ml/2陆fl oz Chinese rice wine
25ml/1fl oz rice wine vinegar
100ml/3陆fl oz light soy sauce
3 star anise
2 tbsp demerera (or light brown) sugar
1.5kg/3lb 5oz belly pork, with rind still on