Ginger-Braised Pork Belly: A Flavorful Delight
Ginger Pork Belly Braise
Indulge in the rich aroma and savory taste of pork belly braised with an abundance of fresh ginger! This dish offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spicy ginger notes that pair perfectly with a steaming bowl of rice. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Main Ingredients
- 300g Pork Belly
- 1/2 knob Ginger (approx. 15g)
- 1 Korean Green Chili Pepper
- 1 cup Water (200ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork belly to remove any unwanted odors and ensure a clean flavor. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the pork belly for about 1-2 minutes. This process helps to remove impurities. Immediately after blanching, rinse the pork belly under cold running water. Next, lightly grease a pan over medium heat and sear the pork belly slices until they are lightly golden brown on both sides. This step helps the pork belly maintain its shape during braising and adds a delicious, nutty flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the aromatics for the braise. Peel the ginger and slice it thinly. If you enjoy a stronger ginger flavor, feel free to add a bit more. Trim the stems off the Korean green chili pepper and slice them diagonally for an appealing look. If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds or use fewer peppers.
Step 3
It’s time to braise the pork belly! Place the blanched and seared pork belly into a pot or a deep pan. Add 1 cup (200ml) of water. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, soju (or rice wine), oligodang (or corn syrup), and black pepper to create the braising sauce. Pour this sauce over the pork belly. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced ginger and green chili pepper to the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the pork belly beautifully. Remember to flip the pork belly pieces occasionally to ensure even flavoring. The dish is ready when the sauce is reduced and the pork belly is glossy.
Step 4
Braising the pork belly with a generous amount of ginger creates a wonderful harmony between the ginger’s zesty aroma and the rich flavor of the pork. The savory and sweet soy sauce glaze makes this an irresistible side dish for rice! Don’t forget to enjoy the braised ginger slices alongside the pork – they are a delightful treat. Adding plenty of ginger when braising pork is a fantastic way to eliminate any gamey taste and infuse the dish with a complex, delicious flavor. This dish is also perfect served over rice as a hearty pork belly donburi!
