Soy Braised Pork Belly
Equipment
Ingredients
Pork Belly and Eggs:
- 8 oz pork belly
- 2 eggs
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ inch piece ginger, sliced
Braising Sauce:
- 1.5 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Boil eggs for 7 minutes. Transfer to ice water and soak for 2 minutes, then gently crack the shells and let them sit for another 5 minutes to loosen the shell. Peel and set aside.
- Slice pork belly into thin strips. Finely chop onion, mince garlic, and slice ginger.
- In a pan, sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add pork belly and ginger to the same pan with vinegar. Sear until browned, about 3 minutes.
- Add dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and five-spice powder. Stir and cook until the mixture starts to boil.
- Add back the onions and garlic to the pan, pour in water, and bring to a boil. Add eggs, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour.
- Uncover and cook on high heat until the sauce reduces and becomes glossy.
- Slice the eggs and serve with pork belly over rice. Garnish with scallions, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tender, Savory, and Packed with Flavor
This Soy Braised Pork Belly is what I reach for when I want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The pork turns ultra tender as it simmers and the sauce transforms into a glossy glaze that clings to every bite. With jammy eggs and warm rice, it’s the kind of meal you want to sit down and savor.
Ingredients for Soy Braised Pork Belly
This recipe relies on just a few pantry staples, but the result is anything but simple. Pork belly becomes rich and soft as it cooks low and slow in a sweet-savory soy-based braise. Aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger give it a deep backbone, and five spice powder brings warm, complex flavor. A splash of vinegar cuts through the richness to balance it all out.
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pork belly, cut into chunks
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 inch piece ginger, sliced
- 1.5 tsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp five spice powder
- 2 cups water
Optional Garnish
- Sliced scallions
- Steamed jasmine rice
How to Make Soy Braised Pork Belly
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by boiling the eggs. Let them sit in an ice bath, crack them, and allow the shells to loosen. Peel and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish
Slice the pork belly, chop your aromatics, and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Once the pork is browned, stir in the soy sauces, sugar, and five spice powder. Let it bubble and begin to thicken slightly before adding back the sautéed aromatics and pouring in the water
Add the peeled eggs and bring everything to a boil. Cover and simmer for an hour until the pork is tender, then uncover and reduce the sauce until thick and glossy. Serve over rice with sliced eggs and scallions
Tips and Variations
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. The flavors actually improve overnight, so it’s a great option for meal prep or next-day leftovers
What Can I Add to the Bowl?
Steamed bok choy or Chinese broccoli are my go-to veggie pairings. You could also throw in tofu or daikon for extra bulk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork?
You can use pork shoulder or pork butt if needed, but pork belly gives you the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture this dish is known for
How do I make jammy eggs?
Let them simmer in the braise for about 7 minutes, then pop them into an ice bath before peeling. Add them back in at the end to soak up flavor
How do I store and reheat this?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes, then reduce the sauce using the sauté function until it thickens
Recipes You Might Also Like
Love cozy meals? Try my Soy Garlic Glazed Chicken.
Want another recipe with five spice? Go for my Coca Cola Braised Chicken.
Need a quick weeknight fix? Pad Kra Pao is bold, spicy, and ready in 20 minutes.
