Caramelized pork belly with sesame offers a rich blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. This dish showcases tender, juicy pork belly slow-cooked in a sticky caramel sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds for added crunch. Its roots lie in Asian cuisine, where caramelization brings out the best in the meat’s natural fats. Whether served with rice or vegetables, it makes a mouthwatering meal perfect for gatherings or an indulgent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork belly cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
Step 2:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
Step 3:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and forms a caramel glaze, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4:
- Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and water to the caramel mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, then return the seared pork belly to the pan.
Step 5:
- Simmer the pork belly on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 6:
- Add the rice vinegar and optional chili flakes for a slight tang and spice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7:
- Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over the caramelized pork belly and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Note:
- Make sure to stir the caramel carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
- For a richer flavor, marinate the pork belly in soy sauce and garlic for at least 2 hours before cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a balanced dish.
- Top the pork belly with a fried egg for an indulgent breakfast bowl.
Tips:
- To achieve the perfect caramelization, cook the pork belly slowly and stir often.
- For extra crispiness, broil the pork belly in the oven for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for enhanced aroma and flavor.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 1 hour
Total Time:
- 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 530 per serving
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
FAQs:
Q: Can I use another cut of pork instead of pork belly?
A: Yes, pork shoulder or pork ribs can work as substitutes, though they may have less fat and a different texture.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Q: Can this dish be made spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to amp up the heat.
Q: What is the best way to reheat the pork belly?
A: Reheat it over low heat on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s texture and avoid drying out the pork.
Conclusion:
Caramelized pork belly with sesame offers an irresistible combination of crispy, tender meat and a flavorful glaze. It’s a dish that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors with just the right hint of spice. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a comforting meal at home, it will surely impress. Try experimenting with different garnishes like cilantro or roasted peanuts to make it your own!
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Caramelized Pork Belly with Sesame Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork belly cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set aside.
Step 2:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
Step 3:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and forms a caramel glaze, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4:
- Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and water to the caramel mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, then return the seared pork belly to the pan.
Step 5:
- Simmer the pork belly on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 6:
- Add the rice vinegar and optional chili flakes for a slight tang and spice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7:
- Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over the caramelized pork belly and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- Make sure to stir the caramel carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
- For a richer flavor, marinate the pork belly in soy sauce and garlic for at least 2 hours before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Calories: 530 per serving
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 22 g