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Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly

Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly for Irresistible Flavor Bliss

Experience the rich umami goodness of Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly—a beautifully tender dish made with ginger, garlic, and a sweet sticky glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Braising Liquid
  • 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar Substitution: Light brown sugar works for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce Substitution: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Sake Substitution: Mirin can substitute for a similar sweet note.
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.
  • 2 pieces Chile Peppers Substitution: Red pepper flakes can be used for a different spice profile.
  • 4 cloves Garlic
For the Pork
  • 2 pounds Pork Belly

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a Dutch oven, melt dark brown sugar with a splash of water over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is syrupy and fragrant, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add soy sauce, sake, ginger, garlic, and chile peppers to the melted sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors, creating a rich braising liquid that’s full of umami goodness.
  3. Place the pork belly into the pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the braising liquid. This is crucial for even cooking and flavor absorption.
  4. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 2 to 3 hours, or until the pork belly is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve the Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly warm. Enjoy the stickiness of the glaze as you savor each bite!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added crunch. Allow the pork belly to rest after cooking to enhance flavors and improve texture before serving this umami-rich dish.

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