Sticky Chinese Pork Belly: A Flavorful Asian-Inspired Dish

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a mouthwatering dish that features tender pieces of pork belly glazed in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfectly caramelized, this dish brings the flavors of soy, honey, garlic, and ginger together to create a delicious sticky coating on each bite. It’s perfect for a special dinner, family meal, or whenever you’re craving something truly indulgent with bold Asian flavors.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Notes
• Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pork belly cubes and blanch them for 3-4 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess fat and impurities.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Belly

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly cubes in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove any excess fat that accumulates in the skillet while cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and black pepper.
2. Pour the sauce mixture over the seared pork belly in the skillet.
3. Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer Until Sticky

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pork belly simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and become sticky, coating the pork belly pieces.
2. Continue simmering until the pork belly is tender and the sauce is glossy and sticky.

Step 5: Serve

• Transfer the sticky pork belly to a serving dish.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve warm with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes

• Blanching the Pork Belly: Blanching the pork belly before cooking helps to remove excess fat and impurities, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better texture.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. Less sugar will result in a more savory dish, while more sugar will make it extra sticky and sweet.

Variations

Spicy Sticky Pork Belly

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Orange Sticky Pork Belly

• Replace the water with fresh orange juice for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the pork.

Garlic Soy Pork Belly

• Add extra minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor, and omit the honey for a more savory dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Pork Shoulder Instead of Pork Belly?

Yes, you can use pork shoulder for a leaner option, but keep in mind that pork belly has a higher fat content, which makes it more tender and flavorful.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.

What Should I Serve With Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the pork belly.

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a dish that’s sure to impress with its rich, sticky, and savory-sweet flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in something delicious, this recipe delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors that are hard to resist. Customize it with your favorite spices and garnishes, and enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends.

Happy cooking, and savor every bite of this delicious sticky pork belly!