Soy-Braised Pork Belly

Submitted by DrGaellon

"Adapted from a recipe by Michele Humes at Serious Eats."

 

• Ready In: 4hrs 25mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 lb boneless pork belly, cut in three equal-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
• 3 slices peeled fresh ginger, each 1/3-inch thick
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• water

directions

1. In a large Dutch oven or wok, heat oil and sugar over medium-high heat, swirling pot until sugar melts and turns a caramel-amber color.
2. Place pork belly slices in pot and sear on all sides, about 1 minute per side, using tongs to turn.
3. Pour enough cold water into vessel to cover the pork. Add soy sauce, five spice powder, ginger, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil and skim any scum that rises to the surface. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 hours, until pork is very tender and fat is easily penetrated with a spoon. Add water as necessary to keep pork fully submerged.
4. Remove pork belly and set aside. Strain solids from braising liquid and return liquid to pan. Over high heat, reduce until lightly thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Slice pork into 1/3-inch thick slices. Lightly coat in reduced braising sauce.

Reviews

[Momma Jenny]

I made this to add to a Tonkotsu Ramen recipe I was making for the first time. The braised pork belly was amazing! I did make a few minor changes. I added some mirin and sake to the liquid. I also transferred everything to a crockpot to cook instead of using a dutch oven because I had to leave the house while it cooked and I've recently had a house fire after leaving something on the stovetop... so I'm afraid to leave anything on the stovetop if I can't be at home to watch it.