Sticky Pork Belly Bites

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb pork belly (cut into cubes; skin on if desired)
• 3 garlic (cloves, thinly sliced)
• 1 cup spring onions (chopped)
• 2 cup water
• 0.5 pork bouillon cube (brand used: Knorr)
• 0.333 cup soy sauce
• 3 star anise (whole pieces)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup rice vinegar
• 0.5 cup honey
• 2 tbsp ginger puree
• kosher salt (to season pork)
• oil (for searing; drain excess fat)
• black pepper (amount not specified; mentioned in transcript)
• steamed white rice (for serving; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the pork belly into cubes. Keep the skin on or remove it, according to preference.

2. 2

   Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add some oil. Season the pork belly with kosher salt and sear on all sides until deeply golden brown.

3. 3

   Carefully drain the excess fat from the pan, then return the pork to the pan.

4. 4

   Add the water, pork bouillon, soy sauce, dark soy sauce if using, rice vinegar, star anise, ginger puree, garlic, chili flakes if using, black pepper, spring onions, and honey. Stir to combine.

5. 5

   Bring the liquid to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn off the heat.

6. 6

   Transfer the pan uncovered to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and braise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pork belly is fork-tender. The transcript specifies 45 minutes; the written recipe gives the 45-minute-to-1-hour range.

7. 7

   Remove the pork belly from the pan and set it aside.

8. 8

   Simmer the sauce over medium-high heat until reduced and thick, glossy, and sticky.

9. 9

   Return the pork belly to the pan and gently toss it in the sauce over low heat for about 1 minute, coating every piece.

10. 10

    Serve hot over steamed white rice, spooning the extra sticky sauce over the top. Enjoy.

Notes

The written recipe specifies 45 minutes to 1 hour of braising; the transcript says 45 minutes. The transcript additionally mentions oil and black pepper without quantities. White rice is suggested for serving but not included in the measured ingredient list.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• pork
• braised
• oven-cooked
• sticky
• Asian-inspired