Silky Caramel-Braised Pork Belly
Fork-tender chunks of pork belly slowly simmered in a glossy sweet-and-savory caramel glaze. The meat becomes so soft it practically melts, coated in a rich reduction of soy, ginger, and amber sugar.
Story
This dish rewards patience. The initial browning of the sugar creates a deep, complex backbone, while the long, gentle simmer transforms tough belly into succulent strands. Serve over steamed rice to catch every drop of the lacquered sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
Blanch and dry the pork
Place the pork chunks in a pot of cold water with 1 tablespoon of the wine. Bring gently to a boil, then drain and rinse under warm water to remove scum. Pat the pieces completely dry with paper towels—moisture will prevent proper browning later.
Create the amber caramel
Warm the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and stir constantly as it melts and bubbles, turning a deep amber color—about 5 minutes. Immediately add the dried pork (it will splatter) and toss quickly to coat each piece in the sticky caramel. Pour in the remaining wine to deglaze, scraping up any hardened sugar from the bottom.
Simmer until fork-tender
Add enough boiling water to just submerge the pork. Tuck in the ginger and scallions. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover, reduce heat to the lowest setting, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir in both soy sauces, then uncover and continue cooking for 30–45 minutes, occasionally turning the pieces, until the liquid reduces to a thick, glossy lacquer that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Rest and serve
Remove from heat and let the pork rest in its sauce for 10 minutes—this allows the glaze to settle and the flavors to meld. Serve warm over steamed white rice, spooning the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh scallion if desired.