fbpx

Braised Pork Belly: Sizzle Up Your Dinner with This Irresistible Dish!

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a flavour haven? Today, I’ve got something absolutely scrumptious for you—Braised Pork Belly! This dish is the perfect combination of savoury, sweet, and slightly spicy, and it’ll leave everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress your mates or just craving something indulgent, this Braised Pork Belly recipe will hit the spot. So, let’s fire up the stove and get ready to sizzle! 🎉

Braised Pork Belly plated and served

Why Braised Pork Belly? 🌟

Braised pork belly is one of those dishes that seem fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. It’s a classic recipe with roots in Chinese cuisine, known for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, complex flavours. The key to a perfect braised pork belly lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the meat to absorb all the wonderful spices and sauces, resulting in a glossy, tender dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice or fresh greens.

The Secret to the Perfect Braised Pork Belly

The magic of braised pork belly comes from the way it’s cooked. By frying the pork belly pieces until they’re golden brown, we start to render out some of the fat, creating a delicious base. The combination of garlic, ginger, star anise, and bay leaves infuses the pork with an aromatic depth, while the brown sugar caramelises to add a touch of sweetness. The soy sauce, ketchup manis, and Chinese rice wine bring everything together, balancing the flavours with a hint of umami and just a little bit of tang.

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely 🛒

  1. Pork Belly: When selecting your pork belly, try to find a piece that has a good balance of meat and fat. The fat is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, but you also want enough meat to make each bite substantial.
  2. Ketchup Manis: This sweet soy sauce is a staple in Indonesian cuisine, and it’s perfect for adding a sticky, caramelised glaze to your pork belly. If you can’t find ketchup manis, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar.
  3. Chinese Rice Wine: This ingredient adds a subtle depth of flavour and helps to tenderise the meat. If you don’t have Chinese rice wine on hand, dry sherry or a splash of sake will work just as well.
  4. Star Anise and Bay Leaves: These spices are crucial for achieving that authentic Asian flavour. Star anise adds a sweet, licorice-like note, while bay leaves bring a subtle earthiness.
Braised Pork Belly plated

Tips and Tricks for Braised Pork Belly Success

    • Patience is key. While it might be tempting to rush the cooking process, allowing the pork belly to braise slowly ensures that all the flavours meld together beautifully, and the meat becomes tender.
    • Don’t skip the browning step. Frying the pork belly pieces first helps to lock in flavour and creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall texture of the dish.
    • Adjust to your taste. Feel free to play around with the sweetness or saltiness to suit your palate. You can add a touch more brown sugar if you like it sweeter or a bit more soy sauce for a saltier bite.

Serving Suggestions for Your Braised Pork Belly 🍽️

Braised pork belly is a rich and flavourful dish, so it pairs best with simple sides that complement its bold taste. Here are a few ideas:

    • Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the rich, savoury sauce of the braised pork belly. Plus, it’s a classic pairing!

    • Sautéed Greens: A side of sautéed bok choy, spinach, or gai lan (Chinese broccoli) adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich pork belly. Just a quick stir-fry with garlic and a splash of soy sauce, and you’re good to go.

    • Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled vegetables can provide a delightful tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pork belly, helping to balance out the richness of the dish.

Variations and Similar Recipes to Try Next

If you’re loving this braised pork belly, why not explore some other similar recipes that bring a burst of flavour to your table?

 

Share Your Creations! 📸

I’d love to see how your Braised Pork Belly turns out! Take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff.  Don’t forget to tag me so I can admire your delicious creations. Happy cooking! 😊 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Braised Pork Belly cooked and served

Braised Pork Belly


Description

**Sizzle Up Your Dinner: Braised Pork Belly Magic! 🍖✨**

Hey there! Ready to level up your dinner game with some mouth-watering braised pork belly? This recipe is super easy and packed with flavour! Let’s get cooking! 🎉


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 kg piece of pork belly, diced
  • Oil for frying
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ketchup manis
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chinese rice wine

Instructions

  1. Start by getting about a cup of oil smoking hot in your pan and add your diced pork belly. Spread it out in a single layer and let it sizzle until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove the pork and discard the oil.
  2. Next, add the garlic, ginger, star anise, bay leaves, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir for a minute until the sugar dissolves and everything smells amazing! 😍
  3. Pour in the ketchup manis, soy sauce, and Chinese rice wine. Give it a good stir to mix all those flavours together. Now, pop your pork belly pieces back in and stir to coat them in all that delicious sauce.
  4. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the pork belly, then pop a lid on. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and let it cook for about 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The pork will soak up all those incredible flavours and become super soft.
  5. After 45 minutes, take the lid off and let the remaining liquid evaporate. You’ll be left with shiny, jammy pork belly pieces that are out of this world! Serve with steamed rice and greens, and get ready for a taste explosion! 🤤
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 60
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Stir Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Frequently Asked Questions