Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a deliciously rich and savory dish where tender pork belly is braised in a flavorful sauce, then caramelized to achieve a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. This dish is perfect as a main course, served over rice, or as part of a larger meal. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, and aromatic spices makes this pork belly irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb pork belly (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (light or regular)
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced)
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Parboil the Pork Belly

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pork belly cubes and parboil them for 3-4 minutes. This helps remove excess fat and impurities.
2. Drain and rinse the pork belly pieces under cold water. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Pork Belly

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Remove the pork belly from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce (if using), star anise, and cinnamon stick.
3. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Braise the Pork Belly

1. Return the browned pork belly to the skillet, making sure the pieces are submerged in the sauce.
2. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the pork belly braise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has reduced.

Step 5: Caramelize the Pork Belly

1. Once the pork belly is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
2. Let the sauce continue to cook and thicken for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pork belly becomes sticky and glazed.
3. Once the sauce is reduced to a thick, sticky consistency and coats the pork belly, remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the sticky Chinese pork belly over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Cook Notes

• Pork Belly Parboiling: Parboiling helps remove impurities and excess fat, ensuring the pork belly remains tender and flavorful during braising.
• Dark Soy Sauce: This adds a deeper color and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce, but the dish will be lighter in color.
• Braising Time: The longer you braise the pork belly, the more tender it becomes. If the sauce reduces too much during cooking, you can add a little water or broth to keep it from drying out.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1-2 dried red chilies or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste along with the brown sugar for a sweet and spicy flavor.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute the brown sugar with honey or a natural sweetener for a slightly healthier version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze sticky Chinese pork belly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork belly. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork belly is ideal because of its balance of meat and fat, which creates a tender, flavorful dish. However, you can use pork shoulder or pork ribs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time as needed.

What should I serve with sticky Chinese pork belly?

Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles, with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or green beans. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables for a contrasting flavor.

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a mouthwatering dish that combines the richness of tender pork with a sweet, savory, and sticky glaze. It’s a flavorful, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balanced flavors and tender texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal!