Braised Pork Belly Recipe: A Flavorful and Tender Delight

Introduction

Pork belly is a cut of meat that’s known for its rich flavor and succulent texture. When braised, it becomes even more tender and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for a hearty and satisfying meal. This braised pork belly recipe is easy to make and yields a delicious and impressive result.

Ingredients

To make this braised pork belly recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 kg pork belly, skin on and boneless
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup rice wine
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 cups water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C.
2. Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork belly on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the garlic, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the same pot and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and enough water to cover the pork belly. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
6. Add the pork belly back to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2-2 1/2 hours or until the pork belly is fork tender.
7. Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the pork belly to a plate. Strain the braising liquid and return it to the pot. Simmer over medium heat until the liquid is thickened and reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes.
8. Add the pork belly back to the pot and toss to coat with the glaze.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Variations

• Spicy Braised Pork Belly: Add some chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the braising liquid to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Sour Braised Pork Belly: Add some vinegar and pineapple chunks to the braising liquid to give the dish a sweet and sour flavor.
• Braised Pork Belly with Vegetables: Add some carrots, onions, and potatoes to the pot with the pork belly to create a hearty one-pot meal.
• Vegetarian Braised Tofu: Substitute the pork belly with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Conclusion

Braised pork belly is a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious and tender pork belly that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, this dish is versatile enough to accommodate your dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy!

FAQ

What is braised pork belly?

Braised pork belly is a popular Chinese dish where pork belly is cooked in a flavorful liquid until it becomes tender and succulent.

What ingredients do I need to make braised pork belly?

To make braised pork belly, you will need pork belly, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, ginger, garlic, star anise, and water.

Can I use other types of meat instead of pork belly?

Yes, you can use other types of meat like beef or chicken, but the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you use.

How long does it take to cook braised pork belly?

It usually takes about 2-3 hours to cook braised pork belly until it becomes tender and flavorful.

Can I make braised pork belly ahead of time?

Yes, you can make braised pork belly ahead of time and reheat it before serving. In fact, braised pork belly tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

What should I serve with braised pork belly?

Braised pork belly is traditionally served with steamed rice and some vegetables like bok choy or Chinese broccoli.

How can I store leftover braised pork belly?

You can store leftover braised pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or steam until heated through.

Can I freeze braised pork belly?

Yes, you can freeze braised pork belly in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave or steam until heated through.

What is the best way to cook pork belly?

Braising is one of the best ways to cook pork belly as it allows the fat to render and infuse the meat with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

What is the difference between pork belly and bacon?

Pork belly is the uncured and unsmoked cut of pork that comes from the belly of the pig, while bacon is pork belly that has been cured with salt and smoked.