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braised pork belly recipe

Step-by-step guide to braising pork belly.

Custom Keto Diet
Want to learn how to braise pork belly to perfection?
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring tender, succulent pork belly every time.
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious dish.

Here's what you'll need:
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4 Serves
Calories 72 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 450 grams Pork belly, skin on
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice wine or dry sherry, white wine, dry vermouth, or white grape juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ginger minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium brown onion chopped
  • 4 spring onions shallots chopped

Instructions
 

Now let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to braise pork belly.Let's get started:

  • Start by preparing the pork belly. Score the skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through to the meat. This will help the fat render and create a crispy skin.
  • Season the pork belly with salt and pepper. You can also add any additional spices or herbs you prefer.
  • Heat a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

    Add a small amount of oil, then sear the pork belly, skin side down, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
    Flip the pork belly and Sear the other side as well.
  • Remove the pork belly from the pot and set it aside.

    Add the aromatics, such as garlic, ginger, onions, and spring onions (shallots), to the pot and sauté until fragrant and slightly caramelised.
  • Return the pork belly to the pot, skin side up.
    Pour in the braising liquid of your choice, making sure it comes up about halfway up the sides of the pork belly.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven.
    Cook at a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) for a few hours, or until the pork belly is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  • Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum flavour.
  • Optional: If you want a crispy skin, you can place the pork belly under the grill (broiler) for a few minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

Video

Notes

Korean braised pork belly recipe

Braised Pork belly lovers, today is your lucky day! I am sharing the recipe of one of the most popular braised pork belly dishes.
This winning Korean style braised pork belly recipe would make a great midweek meal when time is tight.
With sticky special sauce glaze it's perfect, serve with two portions of your favourite vegetables.
Best of all, it can be ready and on the table in around than 45 minutes and is keto and gluten-free diets friendly.

Ingredients;

  • 300g Pork Belly
  • 60g (2 ounces) white Radish
  • 12.5cm (5 inches) Fresh Ginger
  • 2 medium Spring Onions (shallots)
  • 1 Tbsp Doenjang Soybean Paste (See notes below)
  • 100g Bok Choy

Instructions;

  1. Coarsely chop pork belly into 20mm (¾ inch) cubes.
  2. Peel and roughly chop radish.
  3. Peel and thinly slice ginger.
  4. Remove the roots and tops from the spring onion, then peel and cut into two or three pieces.
  5. Combine all ingredients except for the bok choy in a pot.
  6. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and simmer for 45 minutes or until pork is tender.
  7. Add bok choy and simmer for another minute.
  8. Serve hot.

Substitutes for Doenjang.

  1. Miso.
    Due to its similar flavour and texture, Japanese miso paste is the best substitute for doenjang.Keep in mind that doenjang has a saltier, funkier flavour than miso.
    You may need to use additional miso in your recipe or supplement it with salt or soy sauce.
  2. Hoisin sauce.
    This thick brown sauce, made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, and additional seasonings.
    It is an excellent choice for replacing the sweet, savoury, and umami flavours of doenjang paste.

4 more mouthwatering braised pork belly recipe ideas.

Now that you have mastered the art of braising pork belly, it's time to explore some mouthwatering recipes that will elevate your culinary skills to a new level.
Here are 4 recipes to get you started:

Soy-Glazed pork belly bao buns:

These Asian-inspired buns are filled with succulent braised pork belly, drizzled with a sweet and savoury soy glaze, and topped with pickled vegetables.
Each bite is a burst of flavours and textures.

Tacos with pork belly and chipotle lime slaw:

These tacos feature tender braised pork belly, served in warm tortillas, and topped with a zesty chipotle lime slaw.
The combination of rich pork belly and tangy slaw creates a perfect balance of flavours.

Ramen pork belly

This comforting bowl of ramen is made with a flavourful pork broth, tender braised pork belly slices, noodles, and an assortment of toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and nori.
It's a complete meal in a bowl.

Mac and cheese pork belly

Elevate your classic mac and cheese by adding braised pork belly. The creamy, cheesy pasta combined with the rich, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is a match made in comfort food heaven.

Pairing suggestions for serving braised pork belly.

  • Steamed Rice:
    Braised Pork Belly begs to be spooned over rice.
    Even when all the meat has been eaten, you can add the flavourful sauce to rice as a way of stretching the dish.
  • Lettuce Wraps:
    To cut the rich fattiness of the dish, I also like to serve rolled up as lettuce wraps.
  • Keto and low-carb friendly:
    Compliment your braised pork belly with a side of Ketogenic Diet friendly Breakfast rice and your choice of keto breads.
  • Breadsticks:
    Serve your braised pork belly with a delicious side of fresh breadsticks to add variety and balance to the meal.
  • Scones:
    Serve your braised pork belly with a side of fluffy scones to add a bit of balance to the meal and are great for mopping up those juices.
  • Wine:
    A medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs well with the rich flavours of braised pork belly. The fruity and earthy notes complement the dish.
  • Beer:
    Opt for a malty and slightly hoppy beer, like an amber ale or a brown ale, to balance the richness of the pork belly.

Variations and creative twists on traditional braised pork belly recipes.

  • Spicy Braised Pork Belly:
    Add some heat to your braised pork belly by incorporating spicy ingredients like chili flakes, Sriracha, or Korean gochujang paste.
  • Asian-Inspired Sticky Pork Belly:
    Glaze the braised pork belly with a sticky, sweet and savoury sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder.
  • Crispy Pork Belly Tacos:
    Take your braised pork belly tacos to the next level by crisping up the pork belly in a skillet before assembling the tacos.
    The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior adds a delightful texture.
  • Fusion Flavours:
    Experiment with different flavour combinations by incorporating ingredients from different cuisines.For example, you can braise the pork belly with Mexican spices and serve it in a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich.

Conclusion and final thoughts on succulent braised pork belly.

Braised pork belly is a dish that offers a perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness, with flavours that can be customised to suit your preferences.
Whether you choose to slow roast, pressure cook, or braise your pork belly, the key is to take your time and let the flavours develop.
With the step-by-step guide, tips for selecting the perfect pork belly, essential ingredients, mouthwatering recipes, and pairing suggestions provided in this ultimate guide, you now have all the tools to create succulent braised pork belly dishes that will impress your family and friends.
So, gather your ingredients, sharpen your culinary skills, and embark on a journey of flavour and indulgence.
It's time to create some mouthwatering magic in the kitchen with succulent braised pork belly!
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