Sweet & Savory Braised Pork Belly
Sweet & Savory Braised Pork Belly
Easy Homemade Sweet and Savory Braised Pork Belly with Scallion Salad
Indulge in the irresistible sweet and savory flavors of this easy Braised Pork Belly recipe! Perfectly tender pork belly coated in a rich, glossy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any meal. It’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. We’re also including a bonus recipe for a refreshing, zesty scallion salad that perfectly complements the richness of the pork.
💖 Delicious Braised Pork Belly Ingredients 💖- Pork Belly: 1 lb (approx. 600g)
- Oyster Sauce: 2 Tbsp
- Sugar: 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup): 1/2 Tbsp (for gloss and sweetness)
- Cooking Wine (Mirin or Sake): 1 Tbsp (to remove pork odor)
- Ginger Powder: 1 tsp (optional, or a tiny bit of ginger juice)
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp (optional, or 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic)
- Sesame Oil: 1 Tbsp (for finishing aroma)
- Black Pepper: a pinch (to taste)
🌿 Refreshing & Crunchy Scallion Salad Ingredients 🌿- Scallions (green onions, white parts primarily): 2 stalks
- Fish Sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar: 2 Tbsp (add more if you like it tangier!)
- Sugar: 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1 Tbsp (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: 1 Tbsp (for nutty flavor)
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 Tbsp (for fragrant finish)
- Scallions (green onions, white parts primarily): 2 stalks
- Fish Sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce: 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar: 2 Tbsp (add more if you like it tangier!)
- Sugar: 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1 Tbsp (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: 1 Tbsp (for nutty flavor)
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 Tbsp (for fragrant finish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our dish: the pork belly. Heat a pan over medium heat. You can add a tiny bit of oil, or rely on the natural fat from the pork belly to get it started.
Step 2
Place the pork belly slices in the hot pan. Sear them on both sides until they are golden brown and nicely caramelized. This step helps to render the fat and lock in the juices, ensuring a tender interior.
Step 3
Once the pork belly is beautifully browned, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This is an important step to drain excess fat, preventing the final dish from becoming too greasy.
Step 4
Using the same pan (wipe out most of the rendered fat, leaving just a little), add the sauce ingredients: oyster sauce (2 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), oligosaccharide (1/2 Tbsp), cooking wine (1 Tbsp), ginger powder (1 tsp), and garlic powder (1 tsp). Stir them together well. Once the sauce begins to bubble, return the seared pork belly to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and gently toss the pork belly to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer and braise until the sauce thickens and clings to the pork. Be careful not to burn the sauce!
Step 5
When the sauce has reduced to a glossy glaze that coats the pork belly beautifully, stir in the sesame oil (1 Tbsp) and a pinch of black pepper. Give it a final mix, and your delicious Braised Pork Belly is ready! This method offers a rich, concentrated flavor without the mess of excessive frying.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the perfect accompaniment to our pork belly: the scallion salad! Take the two stalks of scallions and wash them thoroughly.
Step 7
Trim the root ends and slice the white parts of the scallions thinly into matchsticks. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife will help achieve uniform, thin cuts.
Step 8
Place the sliced scallions in a bowl of cold water for about 5-10 minutes. This step removes any harsh pungency, making them pleasantly crisp and refreshing without sacrificing their wonderful texture.
Step 9
Drain the scallions very well, squeezing out any excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained scallions with the salad dressing ingredients: fish sauce (1 Tbsp), soy sauce (1 Tbsp), vinegar (2 Tbsp), sugar (2 Tbsp), gochugaru (1 Tbsp, if using), toasted sesame seeds (1 Tbsp), and sesame oil (1/2 Tbsp). Gently toss everything together until the scallions are well coated. If you prefer a tangier salad, feel free to add a little more vinegar. Serve this vibrant scallion salad alongside your homemade Braised Pork Belly and enjoy a truly delightful meal! Happy cooking!
