Asian > Japanese

Mitsuba and Pork Belly Rice Bowl Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 bunch mitsuba, washed and chopped
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook pork belly until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the pork belly and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the pork belly is fully coated.
4. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add chopped mitsuba and sauté for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
5. To assemble the rice bowls, divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with pork belly and mitsuba.
6. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with chicken or beef.
- Mitsuba can be substituted with spinach or kale.

Variations:
- Add sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for a breakfast twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the pork belly thinly to ensure even cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your liking.

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

Reheating instructions:
- Microwave the rice bowl for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the rice bowl in a traditional Japanese donburi bowl for an authentic look.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro for added color and flavor.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of miso soup or a Japanese salad for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame
- Pickled vegetables
- Tempura

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.

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

Food history:
- Mitsuba is a Japanese herb that is often used in soups and stews.

Flavor profiles:
- The pork belly is savory and slightly sweet from the soy sauce and sugar, while the mitsuba adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the rice bowl with a side of pickled ginger or wasabi for an extra kick.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Salty, Sweet, Tangy