Teresa's Recipes
Braised Pork Belly
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this classic Braised Pork Belly recipe. Originating from various cultures around the world, braised pork belly has become a beloved dish known for its tender texture and irresistible sauce. Slowly cooked to perfection, the pork belly absorbs the aromatic spices and sweet undertones, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both comforting and luxurious. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful family dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, skin-on Pork belly
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 inches, sliced Ginger
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Star anise
- 2, chopped (for garnish) Green onions
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 45g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar dissolves.
- Return the seared pork belly to the pot, skin side up. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- 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.
- 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.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork belly to a cutting board and slice into desired portions.
- Serve the braised pork belly with the flavorful sauce from the pot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy your delicious braised pork belly with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the pork belly in the soy sauce and garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bok choy to the pot during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the pork.