Simple Pork Belly & Vegetable Steamer
A Hearty and Delicious Meal: Making Steamed Pork Belly with Vegetables
There are so many delicious things in the world, and so many more we want to try! Today, we’re making a ‘Steamed Pork Belly with Vegetables,’ which is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s practically a one-pot wonder – just layer your ingredients and steam! You can enjoy your vegetables and meat all at once, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want something wholesome and delicious. Give it a try!
Steaming Ingredients
- 500g thinly sliced pork belly
- 1 onion
- 1 leek
- 300g bean sprouts
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 bunch chives
- 1/2 head napa cabbage
- Pinch of salt (2 pinches each)
- Generous amount of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start building our steamed dish! First, thinly slice 1 onion and spread it evenly on the bottom of your steamer. Slice 1 leek into bite-sized pieces (about 2 inches long) and layer it over the onions to add a wonderful aroma.
Step 2
We’ll add more vegetables to make this dish even more vibrant and flavorful. Thinly slice 1/2 carrot. Separate the leaves of 1/2 napa cabbage and cut them into manageable pieces (about 2-3 inches).
Step 3
Cut the 1/2 bunch of chives into approximately 2-inch lengths. Rinse the 300g of bean sprouts thoroughly under cold water and gently shake off excess moisture. Bean sprouts add a lovely crisp texture and refreshing taste to steamed dishes.
Step 4
Now it’s time to layer our ingredients! On top of the onions and leeks at the bottom of the steamer, arrange the thinly sliced pork belly, making sure not to overlap them too much for even cooking. Sprinkle 2 pinches of salt and a generous amount of black pepper over the pork belly for seasoning.
Step 5
Spread half of the bean sprouts evenly over the pork belly. Then, layer the sliced carrots, napa cabbage, and half of the chives on top of the bean sprouts. Add another layer of thinly sliced pork belly, and season again with 2 pinches of salt and pepper. Finally, add the remaining bean sprouts, napa cabbage, chives, and carrots. Top everything with the last layer of pork belly, seasoning it with 2 pinches of salt and pepper. (You can repeat the layering process 2-3 times for a more abundant dish.)
Step 6
Before you start steaming, carefully pour 100ml of water around the edges of the steamer pot. This will create a moist environment for steaming, ensuring the ingredients cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 7
Cover the steamer with a lid and steam over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your stove’s heat and the thickness of the pork belly. Check for doneness after 15 minutes, and if needed, steam for an additional 5-10 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 8
While the steamer is working its magic, let’s prepare a delicious soy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 4 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp sugar. (You can adjust the sugar to your taste, starting with 1 Tbsp.)
Step 9
Add 3 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp mustard, and 2 Tbsp water to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. This sauce offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly pungent flavors that perfectly complement the steamed pork belly.
Step 10
Serve the hot and steamy pork belly and vegetable dish immediately. Dip a piece of the tender pork and crisp vegetables into the freshly made soy dipping sauce for an explosion of flavor! The combination of thinly sliced pork belly, fresh vegetables, and the zesty sauce is truly amazing. Feel free to experiment by dipping it into sweet chili sauce or wasabi soy sauce for a different twist. This is a wonderful, nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy!
