Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight

by zikrecipes.com-
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Craving a dish that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender with a glossy, sticky glaze? This Sticky Chinese Pork Belly recipe is your ticket to flavor heaven! Slow-cooked until succulent and coated in a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in. Ready in just a few simple steps, it’s easier than you think to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes from soy sauce, honey, and chili.
  • Tender Texture: Slow cooking ensures pork belly that’s fall-apart tender.
  • Pinterest-Worthy: The glossy glaze makes for stunning photos to share.
  • Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) skin-on pork belly, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 liter (4 cups) hot chicken stock
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Sticky Glaze:
    • 3 tbsp honey
    • 3 tbsp soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
    • 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped
    • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • Garnish: Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Slow Cook the Pork: Place pork belly cubes in a heavy-based pot (e.g., cast iron). Add hot chicken stock, ginger, garlic, rice wine, and caster sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours until tender. Remove pork, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside.
  2. Crisp the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Be cautious of oil splatter—use a splatter guard if needed.
  3. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste, chilies, and five-spice powder. Pour over the seared pork in the skillet. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork in a glossy glaze.
  4. Serve: Transfer to a plate, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with steamed rice or stir-fried bok choy.

Tips and Variations

  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Spice it Up: Add 1 tbsp sambal oelek for extra heat.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
  • Quick Version: Use an Instant Pot for the slow-cooking step to cut time to 30 minutes (see our Instant Pot Pork Belly recipe).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 4)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 35g

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with steamed jasmine rice or our Asian Cucumber Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a full meal, add stir-fried green beans with garlic.

Share Your Dish!

We’d love to see your sticky pork belly creations! Share on Pinterest with #ValentreyRecipes or comment below with your favorite side dishes.

Inspired by recipes from Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary and Savor With Jennifer.