The rich, unctuous flavor of pork belly – it’s a culinary treasure that never fails to impress. And when done right, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a dish that can elevate even the most humble meal into something truly special. In Japan, where pork belly is a staple ingredient in many regional cuisines, there are countless ways to prepare this indulgent cut of meat. From slow-cooked braises to grilled skewers, and from hearty hot pots to delicate sushi rolls, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 flavorful Japanese pork belly recipes that will take your taste buds on a journey across the country. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and innovative, there’s something here for every occasion and palate. So let’s get cooking!
Braised Japanese Pork Belly with Soy and Ginger
Savor the rich flavors of Japan’s beloved tonkatsu, a dish elevated by slow-cooked pork belly, savory soy sauce, and warm ginger. This braise is perfect for a cold winter evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 star anise pod
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Add the pork belly and make sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little water to cover.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or overnight (8-10 hours).
6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours (or overnight)
Grilled Miso-Glazed Pork Belly Skewers
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of these tender pork belly skewers, perfectly glazed with a rich miso sauce. Perfect for your next outdoor gathering or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
3. Thread pork belly cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the miso glaze evenly over the pork belly, reserving about 1 tbsp for serving.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork reaches internal temperature of 145°F.
6. Serve immediately with reserved miso glaze.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Slow-Cooked Pork Belly Kakuni
Slow-Cooked Pork Belly Kakuni: A Japanese-Inspired Delight
Pork belly kakuni is a popular Japanese dish that’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions. This slow-cooked recipe uses a combination of Asian-inspired spices and aromatics to create a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 star anise pods
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine pork belly, soy sauce, sake, sugar, ginger, garlic, onion, star anise, and cinnamon.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Remove the solids from the pot and discard the spices. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
4. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce. Serve the pork belly with the reduced sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Spicy Pork Belly Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork belly, spicy broth, and creamy soft-boiled eggs for a hearty and satisfying bowl of ramen. Perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package ramen noodles
– 4 soft-boiled eggs
– Green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pork belly, chicken broth, gochujang, soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
3. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Soft-boil eggs by placing them in a saucepan of boiling water for 6-7 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath.
5. Assemble bowls by dividing noodles among four bowls, then ladling the spicy pork belly broth over top. Top with sliced soft-boiled eggs and green onions (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Pork Belly Donburi with Pickled Vegetables
Rich, tender pork belly served over a bed of savory Japanese rice and accompanied by tangy pickled vegetables – this comforting bowl is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (such as daikon, carrots, and cucumbers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine pork belly, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
4. Slice pickled vegetables into thin strips.
5. To assemble the donburi, place cooked rice in a bowl, top with pork belly, and garnish with pickled vegetables.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Japanese-Style Pork Belly Tacos with Wasabi Mayo
Experience the bold flavors of Japan in a unique taco twist! Slow-cooked pork belly, crispy and tender, is served in a soft taco shell with a spicy kick from wasabi mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into thick strips
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Wasabi mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
– Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine pork belly, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil. Cover and slow-cook for 3 hours.
3. Meanwhile, warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by placing a few slices of pork belly onto each tortilla, topping with wasabi mayonnaise, and garnishing with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 3 hours (slow-cooking) + 10 minutes (assembly)
Pork Belly Yakitori with Sweet Soy Glaze
Elevate your yakitori game with this sweet and savory twist on traditional Japanese skewers. Crispy pork belly pairs perfectly with the sticky, caramel-like glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup sweet soy sauce (see note)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread pork belly onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sweet soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Place the skewered pork belly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the sweet soy glaze.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork is crispy and caramelized.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately.
Note: Sweet soy sauce can be made by mixing 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Alternatively, use store-bought sweet soy sauce.
Pork Belly Hot Pot with Napa Cabbage
Pork Belly Hot Pot with Napa Cabbage Recipe
Summary: This hearty hot pot recipe combines tender pork belly with crisp napa cabbage, perfect for a cozy gathering with friends and family. With its rich flavors and textures, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 1 medium Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, combine pork belly, soy sauce, sake (or wine), and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add the Napa cabbage, chicken broth, and cornstarch mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Return the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the cabbage is crisp.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped scallions (if using). Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramelized Pork Belly with Sake Reduction
Experience the sweet and savory harmony of caramelized pork belly, elevated by a rich sake reduction. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as a show-stopping main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly
– 1/4 cup sake
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sake, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Score the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Place the pork belly in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet and pour the sake mixture over it.
5. Cover the dish and braise for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
6. Remove the dish from the oven and let the pork belly rest for 15 minutes.
7. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids.
8. Reduce the liquid by half on high heat, then whisk in vegetable oil to create a glaze.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Pork Belly Okonomiyaki with Bonito Flakes
Discover the rich flavors of Japanese street food with this Pork Belly Okonomiyaki recipe, topped with crispy bonito flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup okonomiyaki mix
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup pork belly, diced
– 1/4 cup grated daikon radish
– 1 green onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bonito flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine okonomiyaki mix and water. Mix until smooth.
2. Add pork belly, daikon radish, and green onion. Mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the batter mixture.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is crispy.
5. Flip the okonomiyaki and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Brush with soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with bonito flakes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pork Belly Udon Soup with Scallions
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and savory Pork Belly Udon Soup with Scallions, featuring tender pork belly, chewy udon noodles, and fresh scallion goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces udon noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pork belly, chicken broth, soy sauce, and sake (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
3. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions.
4. Strain pork belly from the broth and slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Combine cooked udon noodles, pork belly, and broth in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Pork Belly Sushi Rolls with Spicy Mayo
Pork Belly Sushi Rolls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork belly with the creamy spiciness of mayonnaise, all wrapped up in a delicious sushi roll. Perfect for adventurous eaters and sushi lovers alike!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pork belly, cooked and diced
– 1/2 cup short-grain Japanese rice
– 1 sheet nori seaweed
– 1/4 cup spicy mayo (see below)
– Sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Spicy Mayo Recipe:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pork belly according to your preference.
2. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions.
3. Assemble the sushi rolls by spreading a thin layer of spicy mayo on the nori sheet, followed by a portion of sushi rice and diced pork belly.
4. Roll up tightly and slice into individual pieces.
5. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes cooking time for pork belly)
Pork Belly Fried Rice with Shishito Peppers
A flavorful twist on classic fried rice, this recipe combines crispy pork belly, savory vegetables, and spicy shishito peppers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced pork belly
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 shishito peppers, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork belly and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs and scramble until cooked through.
6. Mix eggs with vegetables.
7. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
8. Add soy sauce, pork belly, and shishito peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes.
Pork Belly Bao Buns with Pickled Radish
These soft and fluffy bao buns are filled with tender pork belly, crispy bacon, and a hint of sweetness. Paired with a tangy pickled radish slaw, this snack is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 pound pork belly, braised in soy sauce and sugar
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
– 1/2 cup pickled radish slaw (see below)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Pickled Radish Slaw:
– 1 large radish, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Combine flour, warm water, yeast, and salt to make the bao dough. Knead for 10 minutes.
2. Rest dough for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out dough into thin circles.
4. Place a piece of pork belly, crispy bacon, and pickled radish slaw in the center of each circle.
5. Fold and seal the buns.
6. Cook bao buns on a skillet or steamer for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Pork Belly Teriyaki with Pineapple Salsa
This recipe combines the richness of pork belly with the bright, tangy flavors of pineapple salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into thick strips
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the pork belly strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove the pork from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, combine pineapple chunks, red onion, jalapeño pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Serve the teriyaki pork belly with the pineapple salsa spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pork Belly Tempura with Ponzu Sauce
Experience the harmonious balance of crispy tempura and tangy ponzu sauce with this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Ponzu Sauce (see below)
Ponzu Sauce:
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp citrus juice (orange, lemon, or lime)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and ice-cold water to form tempura batter.
2. Dip pork belly strips into the batter, coating evenly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry tempura-coated pork belly in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve immediately with Ponzu Sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork Belly Stir-Fry with Garlic and Chili
A flavorful and spicy stir-fry that combines the unctuousness of pork belly with the pungency of garlic and chili. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2-3 dried red chilies, crushed or 1-2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and crushed chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Return the pork belly to the pan and stir-fry with the garlic and chili mixture for about 2 minutes.
5. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
8. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pork Belly Rice Bowl with Soft-Cooked Egg
A comforting and flavorful bowl filled with tender pork belly, fluffy rice, and a soft-cooked egg.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly (such as belly or shoulder), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup water
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, combine pork belly strips, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
3. In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Crack in an egg and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still slightly runny.
4. To assemble the bowl, place cooked rice at the bottom, followed by sliced pork belly, then top with the soft-cooked egg. Garnish with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (for pork belly) + 15 minutes (for egg)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Japan with these 18 mouthwatering pork belly recipes! From classic dishes like Braised Japanese Pork Belly with Soy and Ginger, to creative twists like Japanese-Style Pork Belly Tacos with Wasabi Mayo, there’s something for every occasion. Slow-cooked or grilled, glazed or braised, these recipes showcase the versatility of pork belly in traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, this collection is sure to inspire your next culinary adventure!
