Welcome back, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the tantalizing world of Chinese cuisine with a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite: Twice-Cooked Sticky Pork Belly. This dish features crispy fried pork belly pieces that melt in your mouth, enveloped in a sweet, sticky, and spicy glaze that will leave you craving more. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- Pork Belly:
- 500g pork belly strips (without rind, with alternating layers of meat and fat)
- Stock for Boiling Pork:
- 1.5 liters boiling water
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- A few slices of fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2-3 spring onions (chopped)
- Sweet Sticky Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Freshly minced ginger
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
- Slice and Prep:
- Begin by slicing the pork belly into strips. Ensure each strip has a good balance of meat and fat. If there’s excess fat, feel free to trim it off.
- Make sure each strip is of even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
- Boil in Stock:
- In a large pan, add 1.5 liters of boiling water.
- Dissolve the vegetable stock cube in the water.
- Add fresh ginger slices, garlic cloves, and chopped spring onions. Stir well to mix.
- Carefully add the pork belly strips to the stock, ensuring they are fully submerged. Bring the water back to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 45-50 minutes. This slow cooking process will tenderize the pork.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Sticky Glaze
- Mix the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
- Add freshly minced ginger to the mixture.
- Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Fry the Pork Belly
- Drain and Fry:
- After the pork belly has simmered and become tender, carefully drain the pork and let it cool slightly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of vegetable oil.
- Fry the pork belly strips until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be cautious as the oil might splatter due to the fat content in the pork.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Glaze the Pork:
- Once the pork belly strips are crispy, reduce the heat to low.
- Pour the prepared sweet sticky glaze over the fried pork.
- Stir continuously to coat the pork evenly with the glaze. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the glaze has thickened and the pork is well-coated.
- Serve:
- Remove the glazed pork belly from the skillet and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Cooking Tips:
- Quality Pork: The better the quality of the pork belly, the better the dish. Look for pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the pork belly strips are of even thickness to cook uniformly.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding a bit of water if it’s too thick or cooking longer if it’s too thin.
Variations:
- Spicier Version: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Ginger Soy Pork Belly: Substitute honey with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQs:
1. Can I use pork loin instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use pork loin, but keep in mind that pork belly provides a unique texture and flavor due to its fat content.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the texture.
3. Can I freeze the cooked pork belly? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork belly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Twice-Cooked Sticky Pork Belly is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Chinese flavors. The combination of tender pork belly with a sweet and sticky glaze makes it irresistible. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel, click the notification icon, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Happy cooking!
