Braised Pork Belly

Ingredients

• Pork belly (2 pounds, skin-on)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (2 inches, sliced)
• Soy sauce (1/2 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
• Chicken broth (2 cups)
• Cinnamon stick (1)
• Star anise (2)
• Green onions (2, chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season the pork belly generously with salt and pepper. Sear the pork belly in the pot until it is browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the pork belly from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
5. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar dissolves.
6. Return the seared pork belly to the pot, skin side up. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Braise the pork belly in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and can easily be pulled apart.
8. Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and allow the pork belly to rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the juices locked in.
9. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork belly to a cutting board and slice into desired portions.
10. Serve the braised pork belly with the flavorful sauce from the pot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
11. Enjoy your delicious braised pork belly with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.