Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Recipe to Savor

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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is an experience that tingles your taste buds and transports you straight to the bustling streets of Beijing. Imagine a piece of pork belly so tender it practically melts in your mouth, topped with a glistening, sticky glaze that dances with flavors ranging from sweet to umami. The aroma wafts through the air, pulling you in like an enchanting siren’s song, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.

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Every bite of this dish evokes fond memories of family gatherings where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the soy sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, Sticky Chinese Pork Belly steals the show and leaves everyone craving more. Get ready for an incredible flavor experience that will have your friends asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation means you can whip this up without breaking a sweat in the kitchen
  • Bursting with rich flavors, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite
  • Visually stunning with its shiny glaze, this dish is perfect for special occasions or just because
  • Versatile enough for serving over rice or alongside steamed vegetables, it fits any meal plan effortlessly

Ingredients for Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pork Belly: Look for a piece with equal layers of meat and fat; this balance ensures maximum flavor and tenderness while cooking.

  • Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth; choose firm roots to guarantee a zesty punch.

  • Garlic: For that aromatic kick; use whole cloves rather than pre-minced for the best flavor.

  • Brown Sugar: This ingredient helps create that irresistible sticky glaze; feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium options are great for controlling salt levels while still retaining that signature savory taste.

  • Rice Vinegar: A splash adds brightness and balances the sweetness; don’t skip it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

How to Make Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Prepare Your Pork: Start by scoring the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern—this helps render out fat and creates crispy cracklings later on. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until smooth. Pour this aromatic concoction over your pork belly and let it marinate for at least an hour—overnight is even better!

Sear: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork belly skin-side down and sear until golden brown—about five minutes should do.

Braise: Flip the pork belly over so it’s skin-side up and pour half of the marinade into the pan. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and transfer to your preheated oven; cook for about two hours until it’s fork-tender.

Glaze: Remove from the oven and carefully take off the lid or foil—watch out for steam! Brush some reserved marinade over the top before returning it to the oven uncovered. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast for another 15-20 minutes until beautifully caramelized.

Serve: Once done, allow your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly to rest for about ten minutes before slicing into glorious pieces. Serve hot on fluffy rice or fresh greens drizzled with any leftover glaze—you won’t regret it!

You Must Know

  • Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is more than just a dish; it’s an experience
  • The combination of tender meat and a sweet, savory glaze will have your taste buds dancing
  • Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the pork belly until crispy, then simmer it gently with soy sauce and spices. While it cooks, prepare your sides to ensure everything is ready at once for a delicious meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap honey for brown sugar or add chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can also toss in some garlic or ginger to elevate those flavors even further.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Sticky Chinese Pork Belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in a skillet, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly crispy skin, sear the pork belly well before simmering
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and don’t rush the cooking process; patience pays off!
  • Always taste as you go to adjust seasonings just right

Sometimes, I wonder if my friends invite me over just for this Sticky Chinese Pork Belly—it’s that good! Their expressions when they take that first bite are priceless and make all the cooking worth it.

FAQs :

What is Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a popular dish known for its rich flavors and tender texture. This dish features pork belly marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices, then slow-cooked until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The caramelized glaze adds a sticky sweetness, making it an irresistible treat. Traditionally served with rice or steamed buns, this dish embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine, balancing savory and sweet elements perfectly.

How do I prepare Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

To prepare Sticky Chinese Pork Belly, start by slicing the pork belly into cubes. Marinate the meat in a blend of soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and five-spice powder for several hours or overnight. After marinating, sear the pork in a hot pan to develop a golden crust. Then, simmer it gently with water and aromatics until the meat is tender. Finally, reduce the sauce to create that signature sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the pork.

What can I serve with Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly pairs wonderfully with various sides. Common accompaniments include steamed jasmine rice or fluffy bao buns for wrapping the pork. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli to balance the richness of the dish. For added flavor, drizzle some extra sauce over your sides or garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Can I make Sticky Chinese Pork Belly in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make Sticky Chinese Pork Belly in advance! Prepare the dish up to the point of simmering and let it cool completely before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on low heat until warmed through. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests, as the flavors will deepen over time.

Conclusion for Sticky Chinese Pork Belly :

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a delightful dish that showcases bold flavors and tender meat. By marinating and slow-cooking the pork belly, you achieve an irresistible sticky glaze that elevates any meal. It’s easy to serve alongside rice or steamed buns while offering endless possibilities for side dishes. Whether preparing it for dinner or special occasions, this dish will surely impress your family and friends with its rich taste and satisfying texture. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece at your next gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a mouthwatering dish that marries tender, succulent pork with a glossy, sticky glaze bursting with sweet and umami flavors. This recipe captures the essence of Beijing’s street food, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside vibrant vegetables for a memorable meal that will leave your guests clamoring for more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork belly
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, whole
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Marinate the pork belly in this mixture for at least one hour (overnight is best).
  3. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly skin-side down until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
  4. Flip the pork belly skin-side up and pour half of the marinade into the pan. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for about 2 hours until fork-tender.
  5. Remove from the oven, brush with reserved marinade, increase temperature to 400°F (200°C), and roast uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
  6. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving hot.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

 

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