Braised Pork in Soy Sauce

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Braised Pork in Soy Sauce, a timeless dish that combines melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with an irresistible blend of aromatics and seasonings. This Chinese-inspired recipe features tender pork caramelized in a harmonious concoction of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar, creating a glossy, flavorful sauce infused with star anise and cinnamon for a hint of warmth. Perfected with slow simmering, the dish delivers a deeply satisfying umami flavor in every bite. Serve it over steamed white rice or pair it with sautéed greens for an authentic and comforting meal that’s sure to impress. With minimal prep and simple cooking techniques, this recipe is an effortless yet elegant way to enjoy bold, hearty cuisine at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams pork belly
• 100 ml soy sauce
• 30 ml dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 20 grams ginger
• 300 ml water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 2 pieces spring onions (green part only)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes. Set aside.

Step 2

Prepare the aromatics by smashing the garlic cloves and slicing the ginger into thin slices.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the pork belly pieces to the pot and sear them until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pot, add the garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 7

Return the pork belly to the pot and mix well, ensuring the sauce coats the meat evenly.

Step 8

Add water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Check the sauce after 60 minutes; it should have thickened slightly. If necessary, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid further.

Step 10

Season with salt to taste and garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with steamed white rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	522.3 grams (522.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	337

Total Fat 14.70g	19%
Saturated Fat 2.00g	10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6275mg	273%
Total Carbohydrate 43.10g	16%
Dietary Fiber 3.70g	13%
Total Sugars 26.70g
Protein 11.60g	23%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122mg	9%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 606mg	13%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.7%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 49.1%