Garlic-Braised Pork Belly Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs. pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 head of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add pork belly cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

4. Add minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

6. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with lid.

7. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 2-3 hours, or until pork belly is tender and cooked through.

8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

9. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 325°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with pork shoulder or pork loin.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with beef broth or vegetable broth.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions and carrots to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use the braised pork belly as a filling for tacos or sandwiches.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the pork belly cubes on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning.
- Let the pork belly cool before garnishing to prevent wilting of herbs.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a shallow bowl with a side of rice or noodles.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and sliced chili peppers for added color and flavor.

Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced chili peppers

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried noodles
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork belly is not tender after 2-3 hours of braising, continue cooking until it reaches desired tenderness.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook pork belly to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Braised pork belly is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, sweet, and garlicky.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish with rice or noodles and steamed vegetables.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Savory, Garlicky, Rich, Umami, Salty, Comforting