Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce and Spices

Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, infused with savory soy sauce and sweet hints of honey, all while being lovingly simmered to perfection. This dish brings warmth and satisfaction, and it's perfect to serve over a fluffy bed of rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork belly, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon five spice powder
• 2-3 dried bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water or more as needed
• Salt to taste
• Fresh chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and let it warm up. Add your pork belly pieces and sear until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Once the pork belly is browned, remove it temporarily from the pan. In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Add the Sauce: Return the pork belly to the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the soy sauce, honey, red wine vinegar, five spice powder, dried bay leaves, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Mix well, ensuring the pork is coated in the sauce.

4. Simmer: Pour in the water, enough to cover the pork halfway. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed. The goal is to let the flavors meld and the pork become incredibly tender.

5. Finishing Touches: Once tender, taste the sauce and adjust with salt or pepper as needed. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 15-20 minutes to let it reduce.

6. Serve: Serve the braised pork belly over steaming hot rice or noodles. Drizzle with some of the thickened sauce and top with chopped green onions if desired.

Flavor Profile:

With the addition of fresh onions and garlic, this dish has an even richer flavor profile! The sweetness from the onions complements the savory soy sauce while the garlic adds a delightful aroma and taste that pairs beautifully with the spices used.