Savory Soy-Braised Pork Belly & Neck
Your Go-To Recipe: Delicious Soy-Braised Pork Belly & Neck
Looking for a fantastic way to use up leftover pork belly or neck from your freezer? This soy-braised pork recipe is a winner! We’re sharing the golden ratio sauce that makes this dish incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for a quick ‘clean out the fridge’ meal!
Main Ingredients- Pork belly or neck, 560-600g
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or similar sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A little water (about 1/2 cup, adjust to taste)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- 1/2 stalk of green onion (scallion)
- A few whole garlic cloves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the braising sauce that will bring this dish to life! In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon each of oyster sauce, soy sauce, corn syrup, and sugar. This 1:1:1:1 ratio is your golden ticket to deliciousness. Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic and whisk everything together until well combined. Having this sauce ready makes the cooking process so much smoother!
Step 2
The whole garlic cloves, when braised in the soy sauce, develop a wonderfully sweet and savory flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. We like to give them a head start by pan-frying them first. Place the whole garlic cloves in a pan and cook them over medium-low heat until they are lightly golden. While the garlic is cooking, begin searing your pork neck slices.
Step 3
Next, add the pork belly slices to the pan and cook them until they are nicely browned on both sides. If your pan is large enough, you can cook both the pork neck and belly together. Once browned, you can proceed to add the sauce directly to the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
Step 4
Once the pork is about halfway cooked and nicely seared, pour in about half of the prepared braising sauce. Taste the sauce at this stage. If it’s too strong or salty for your preference, you can add about half a cup of water. Adding a little water helps to balance the flavor and prevents the sauce from burning while it simmers.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer gently in the sauce. This allows the flavors to meld and the pork to become incredibly tender. While it’s simmering, chop the green onion into large pieces and add them to the pan. The green onion adds a beautiful color and a fresh aroma to the dish.
Step 6
Once the pork is fully cooked and coated in the rich, glossy sauce, turn off the heat. For a final touch of flavor, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the dish. If you have sesame seeds on hand, a light sprinkle adds a lovely nutty aroma and visual appeal.
Step 7
This recipe is incredibly simple, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect to memorize and whip up anytime. It’s a fantastic side dish for rice, and adults will love it as a savory accompaniment to their drinks. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Step 8
This soy-braised pork is also a wonderful pairing with the zesty cucumber salad I shared yesterday! Enjoy your delicious dinner!
