Plum Sauce Pork Belly Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup plum sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 green onion, sliced (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together plum sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add pork belly pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Pour the plum sauce mixture over the pork belly and stir to coat.

5. Add water to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onion if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning pork belly, low heat for simmering sauce
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 800mg
Sugar: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Plum sauce: Hoisin sauce or apricot preserves
- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos
- Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup
- Pork belly: Pork shoulder or pork loin

Variations:
- Add sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the skillet for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
- Use chicken or beef instead of pork belly for a different flavor.
- Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.

Tips and tricks:
- To make the pork belly extra crispy, broil it in the oven for a few minutes after simmering in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- Marinate the pork belly in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for a more flavorful dish.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover Plum Sauce Pork Belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Plum Sauce Pork Belly on a platter with a sprinkle of sliced green onions on top.

Garnishes:
Sliced green onions or sesame seeds

Pairings:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Cucumber salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it.
- If the pork belly is tough, simmer it for a longer time until it becomes tender.

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

Food history:
Plum sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, often used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or as a glaze for meat dishes.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, savory, tangy, and slightly spicy

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Plum Sauce Pork Belly as a main dish for a family dinner or as part of a Chinese-inspired feast.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Sweet, Savory, Tangy, Umami, Spicy