There’s a certain joy that comes from the slow, tantalizing aroma of pork belly braising gently in the kitchen. As the savory scents of garlic and ginger dance through the air, a wave of anticipation washes over me, reminding me why I adore cooking at home. This Sticky Chinese Pork Belly recipe is not just a comforting meal; it’s a love letter to the art of slow cooking. Perfectly tender, each bite explodes with rich flavor, making it the ideal centerpiece for a cozy dinner or a weekend gathering with family and friends.
I often find myself reaching for this recipe after a long day when I crave something hearty and satisfying yet unforgettably delicious. With a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a dish that looks and tastes as if it came straight from a restaurant. So grab your favorite pan, and let’s dive into the world of sticky, sweet, and utterly irresistible pork belly that will leave you and your loved ones craving more!
Why is Sticky Chinese Pork Belly so irresistible?
Simplicity at its Best: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish lets the flavors of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce shine through.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Slow cooking transforms pork belly into a tender, succulent treat.
Sweet & Savory Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a heavenly glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in bao buns, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for more delicious, homemade goodness!
Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Ingredients
For the Pork
• Pork belly slices – Use rindless for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Hot chicken stock – It enhances the flavor while keeping the meat juicy during cooking.
For the Marinade
• Ginger – Fresh ginger adds an aromatic kick that complements the pork beautifully.
• Garlic – Provides a fragrant undertone, elevating the overall dish.
• Rice wine – A splash of rice wine deepens the savory profile of the marinade.
• Caster sugar – This fine sugar dissolves quickly, helping to create the perfect glaze.
• Vegetable oil – Use for frying; it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
For the Glaze
• Red chilli – Adds a touch of heat and color to your sticky Chinese pork belly.
• Honey – This natural sweetener contributes to that irresistible, sticky glaze.
• Brown sugar – It brings a hint of molasses flavor, intensifying the sweetness.
• Dark soy sauce – This rich soy sauce deepens the color and flavor, giving your dish its distinct umami.
• Lemongrass paste – A unique twist that brightens the overall flavor profile.
For Topping
• Chopped spring onions – Fresh herbs add a crisp texture and a burst of color to your dish.
• Chopped red chillies – Sprinkle for an extra kick and a vibrant finishing touch.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to create a Sticky Chinese Pork Belly that your family will love!
How to Make Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
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Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-based pan, add the pork belly slices, hot chicken stock, minced ginger, roughly chopped garlic, rice wine, and caster sugar. Stir to combine and prepare for cooking.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan tightly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful.
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Prepare Pork: Once cooked, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the pork from the pan and pat it dry using kitchen towels to remove excess moisture for a better sear.
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Chop: Cut the pork into bite-sized chunks, ensuring they are all uniform for even cooking and delightful bites.
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Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt, pepper, minced ginger, finely chopped red chilli, honey, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and lemongrass paste until smooth.
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Heat Oil: In a frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
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Sear Pork: Add the chopped pork to the pan along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the pork turns a beautiful golden brown, around 5-7 minutes.
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Glaze Until Sticky: Pour the prepared glaze over the seared pork and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pork is coated and looks dark and sticky.
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Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Serve your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly warm, topped with chopped spring onions and red chillies for an extra pop of flavor.
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Sticky Chinese Pork Belly are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the pork and chop it into bite-sized pieces up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain flavor and freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the glaze and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring the ingredients stay well combined for maximum taste. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the marinated pork and add the glaze as instructed—this will deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and save you precious time on busy weeknights! Enjoy the ease of having a homemade favorite waiting for you!
What to Serve with Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
To create a harmonious meal around the enticing flavors of pork belly, consider these delightful accompaniments.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The delicate aroma and soft texture of jasmine rice absorb the sticky glaze beautifully, balancing the dish’s richness.
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Crispy Asian Slaw: A fresh mix of cabbage, carrots, and cilantro drizzled with a tangy dressing cuts through the pork’s richness, adding crunch and brightness.
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Spicy Szechuan Noodles: These noodles bring a fiery kick that pairs wonderfully with the pork, creating a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.
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Stir-Fried Broccoli: Tender yet crunchy broccoli tossed in a light garlic sauce adds color and nutrients, making your meal feel balanced and wholesome.
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Braised Bok Choy: The mild flavor and tender leaves absorb the essence of the soy-based glaze, creating a harmonious duo with the sticky pork.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Crisp, refreshing cucumbers tossed with sesame oil and vinegar provide a cooling crunch that complements the richness of the pork belly.
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Sweet Soy-Glazed Carrots: These caramelized carrots enhance the dish with a touch of sweetness while echoing the flavors of the glaze, creating a lovely balance.
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Lychee Martini: To elevate your dining experience, sip on this floral and fruity cocktail that pairs excellently with the savory elements of the meal.
How to Store and Freeze Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Fridge: Store any leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sticky Chinese pork belly in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pork belly overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Leftover Ideas: Incorporate any leftover sticky pork belly into stir-fries, fried rice, or even tacos for a delicious twist on your meals.
Expert Tips for Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
- Choose Quality Pork: Make sure to use fresh, rindless pork belly slices for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overly fatty cuts to keep it balanced.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the pork to slowly simmer for a full 2 hours; this makes the meat tender and flavorful. Skipping this step can lead to tough pork.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: After simmering, pat the pork dry thoroughly before searing. This ensures a beautiful golden crust instead of steaming it.
- Glaze Wisely: Pour the glaze over the pork once it’s seared to avoid burning the sugars. Stir frequently to achieve that sticky coating!
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red chilli according to your taste. If you prefer milder flavors, consider removing the seeds.
- Serve with Sides: Elevate your dish by serving Sticky Chinese Pork Belly with steamed rice, bao buns, or a refreshing slaw for contrast.
Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Variations
Customize your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly to match your taste preferences and dietary needs for an even more delightful experience.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of dark soy sauce to maintain flavor without gluten.
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Spicy Kick: Add extra sliced red chillies or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a more intense heat that warms the soul.
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Sweet and Fruity: Incorporate chunks of pineapple or orange segments during the glaze step for a sweet and tangy burst in every bite.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like coriander or basil right before serving for a fragrant, zesty twist that brightens the dish.
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Smoky Flavor: Experiment with smoked paprika in your marinade to impart a deep, smoky essence that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
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Crispy Finish: Broil the glazed pork belly for the last few minutes of cooking to add a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with its tender interior.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork with jackfruit or crispy tofu, marinating and cooking them in the same way to achieve a delightful plant-based dish.
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Asian Twist: Add a splash of sesame oil in the glaze for a nutty depth of flavor that enhances the authentic taste of your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly.
Let your imagination run wild, and savor the joy of creating a dish that’s uniquely yours!
Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Recipe FAQs
What type of pork belly should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! It’s best to choose fresh, rindless pork belly slices for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Look for cuts with a good balance of fat and meat to ensure both flavor and texture.
How long can I store leftover Sticky Chinese Pork Belly in the fridge?
You can store any leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it away.
Can I freeze Sticky Chinese Pork Belly? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly for later enjoyment! Simply place the cooled pork belly in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a pan over medium heat.
My pork belly didn’t turn as tender as I hoped. What did I do wrong?
Very! If your pork belly isn’t tender, it’s often due to not allowing it to simmer long enough. Make sure to simmer for the full 2 hours and keep a lid on the pan to retain moisture. If the meat is still tough, consider letting it simmer longer, checking every 15 minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Are there any dietary considerations to note when making Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
Certainly! If you’re preparing this dish for guests, be aware of possible allergies to soy or seafood, as soy sauce contains soy. Also, if you’re serving to pets, remember that the rich flavors and ingredients in this recipe, particularly garlic and onion, are not safe for them.
Can I customize the heat level of my Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
Of course! You can control the spiciness of this dish by adjusting the amount of red chilli you use. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds before chopping the chillies. Alternatively, you could even substitute with a milder pepper or omit it altogether based on your taste preference.
Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly You’ll Crave Again!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a heavy-based pan, add the pork belly slices, hot chicken stock, minced ginger, roughly chopped garlic, rice wine, and caster sugar. Stir to combine and prepare for cooking.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan tightly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful.
- Once cooked, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the pork from the pan and pat it dry using kitchen towels to remove excess moisture for a better sear.
- Cut the pork into bite-sized chunks, ensuring they are all uniform for even cooking and delightful bites.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt, pepper, minced ginger, finely chopped red chilli, honey, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and lemongrass paste until smooth.
- In a frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the chopped pork to the pan along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the pork turns a beautiful golden brown, around 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the prepared glaze over the seared pork and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pork is coated and looks dark and sticky.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Serve your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly warm, topped with chopped spring onions and red chillies for an extra pop of flavor.