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Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly

Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight

Experience the exquisite flavors of Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly, a melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for impressing guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 buns
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Belly
  • 1 kg Pork Belly Opt for the best quality for a delicious outcome.
  • 2 tablespoons Grapeseed Oil Any neutral oil can work if grapeseed isn’t on hand.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 thumb Ginger Adds warm aromatic depth; galangal can substitute.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances flavor beautifully.
  • 4 stalks Scallions Use the white parts for cooking and save the green tops.
For the Flavors
  • 2 whole Star Anise Distinctive spice with sweet, licorice-like essence.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick Contributes warm spice notes; ground cinnamon can substitute.
For the Sauces
  • ¼ cup Regular Soy Sauce Opt for gluten-free soy sauce for clean eating.
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce Adds color and sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese Rice Wine Can be replaced with dry sherry if needed.
For Sweetness and Braising
  • 2 tablespoons Organic Brown Sugar Balances the savory aspects; honey can substitute.
  • 2 cups Water Essential for braising.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • deep skillet
  • steamer
  • heat-proof dish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pork belly, ginger, garlic, and white parts of the scallions. Boil for 30 minutes.
  2. In a deep skillet, heat grapeseed oil over medium heat. Sauté the ginger, garlic, and white scallion parts for about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the star anise and cinnamon stick, then pour in the regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and water, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
  4. Carefully arrange the cooked pork belly slices in a heat-proof dish that fits your steamer. Pour the braising liquid over the pork, ensuring it's well-covered.
  5. Seal the dish with parchment paper and place it into a steamer over simmering water. Steam for 1.5 hours.
  6. After steaming, allow the pork belly to cool for about 15 minutes. Once cool, slice into thick pieces.
  7. Skim off any solidified fat from the surface of the pork belly and arrange slices inside soft buns. Garnish with the green parts of scallions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

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