Get ready to indulge in the rich, unctuous flavor of Japan’s most beloved ingredient: pork belly! Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just discovering the joys of Japanese cuisine, these 18 savory recipes will elevate your cooking game and satisfy your cravings. From classic dishes like braised pork belly with soy and ginger to modern twists like grilled miso-glazed skewers, we’ve got you covered for every occasion.
Braised Japanese Pork Belly with Soy and Ginger
This classic Japanese dish, called “Kakuni” in Japanese, is a tender and flavorful braise that combines the richness of pork belly with the savory flavors of soy sauce and ginger. This comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter night or as a special occasion meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork belly until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add soy sauce, sake, sugar, ginger, and garlic to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Return the pork belly to the pot, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Grilled Miso-Glazed Pork Belly Skewers
Elevate your summer BBQ game with these sweet and savory skewers, featuring tender pork belly glazed with a rich miso sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, 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, making sure each piece is coated.
5. Place skewers on grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork is tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Slow-Cooked Pork Belly Kakuni
Kakuni is a popular Japanese dish that involves slow-cooking pork belly in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe yields tender, fall-apart pork with a rich, caramelized glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place pork belly in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
4. Add water to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
6. Remove pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Japanese Pork Belly Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg
A rich and savory ramen dish featuring tender pork belly, a flavorful broth, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg. This comforting bowl of goodness is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 8 oz ramen noodles
– Soft-boiled egg, sliced
– Green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pot, combine pork belly, soy sauce, sake, and mirin. Braise for 3-4 hours or overnight.
3. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
4. Strain the braising liquid and use as broth. Add sesame oil and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Cook soft-boiled egg by placing it in a pot of boiling water for 6-7 minutes, then immediately transferring it to an ice bath.
6. Assemble ramen bowls with cooked noodles, pork belly slices, soft-boiled egg, and green onions.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (braising time) + 10-15 minutes (cooking noodles and assembling)
Pork Belly Donburi with Pickled Radish
A rich and savory Japanese-inspired dish that combines tender pork belly, fluffy rice, and tangy pickled radish. This hearty bowl is perfect for a comforting meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thick strips
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon mirin
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large red radish, thinly sliced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and mirin. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add pork belly strips to the saucepan and cook for 10 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
5. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a pan over high heat. Add sliced radish and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
6. Assemble donburi by placing cooked pork belly on top of fluffy rice, finishing with pickled radish.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Pork Belly Yakisoba Stir-Fry
Experience the bold flavors of Japan with this Spicy Pork Belly Yakisoba Stir-Fry, a twist on the classic Chinese noodle dish. This recipe combines tender pork belly with savory stir-fried noodles and a kick of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup yakisoba noodles
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook yakisoba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add pork belly and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add onion and garlic and stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, gochujang, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until combined.
5. Return pork belly to the pan and stir-fry until coated with noodle mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork Belly Shabu-Shabu with Ponzu Sauce
Savor the rich flavors of pork belly wrapped in a delicate ponzu sauce, served with a side of fresh greens and your choice of dipping ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups dashi broth (or substitute with chicken or beef stock)
– 1/4 cup ponzu sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh green onions and shungiku flowers for garnish
– Your choice of dipping ingredients (e.g., tofu, vegetables, noodles)
Instructions:
1. Bring the dashi broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Cook the pork belly slices for 5-7 minutes or until slightly tender.
3. Prepare your dipping ingredients according to preference (e.g., slice tofu into cubes).
4. Serve the pork belly slices with ponzu sauce and fresh green onions/shungiku flowers on the side.
5. Enjoy shabu-shabu style by cooking the pork belly in the broth, then dipping it into your chosen accompaniments.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Pork Belly Hot Pot (Buta no Shogayaki Nabe)
This hearty hot pot recipe is a popular comfort food in Japan, perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions. Slow-cooked pork belly and tender vegetables create a rich and savory broth that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups dashi broth (or substitute with chicken or pork broth)
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions, grated ginger, and shichimi togarashi for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork belly and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in the dashi broth, water, soy sauce, sake (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Serve hot with sliced green onions, grated ginger, and shichimi togarashi on top.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Crispy Pork Belly Gyoza Dumplings
Experience the perfect fusion of Chinese and Japanese flavors with these crispy pork belly gyoza dumplings. Pan-fried to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch outside and tender, juicy pork belly inside.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound pork belly, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine pork belly, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork belly mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add dumplings and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total
Pork Belly Okonomiyaki with Kewpie Mayo
Discover the rich flavors of Japanese street food with this mouthwatering Pork Belly Okonomiyaki recipe, topped with a creamy Kewpie Mayo. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pork belly ( diced)
– 2 tablespoons sake
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons okonomiyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Kewpie Mayo (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together sake, soy sauce, and okonomiyaki sauce.
2. Add diced pork belly and mix until coated.
3. Gradually add flour, salt, and water to form a batter.
4. Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Pour the batter into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve with Kewpie Mayo and your choice of toppings (e.g., green onions, bonito flakes).
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Sticky Pork Belly Teriyaki
Savor the tender, caramelized goodness of this Asian-inspired dish featuring pork belly glazed with a sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and pork belly; marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove pork from marinade, reserving the sauce.
5. Place pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 2-1/2 hours, or until tender.
6. Brush reserved teriyaki sauce over pork during last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Pork Belly Sushi Rolls with Cucumber and Avocado
This recipe combines the tender juiciness of pork belly with the refreshing flavors of cucumber and avocado, all wrapped up in a crispy sushi roll. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, braised and sliced into thin strips
– 1/2 cup short-grain Japanese rice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
Instructions:
1. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Prepare the pork belly by brushing with soy sauce and sake (optional).
3. Assemble the rolls by spreading a thin layer of rice onto a piece of nori, followed by a few strips of pork belly, cucumber, and avocado.
4. Roll up tightly and slice into individual pieces.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including prep time)
Pork Belly Yakitori with Scallions
Get ready to elevate your skewer game with this tender and flavorful Pork Belly Yakitori recipe, perfectly paired with crispy scallions!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, cut into small cubes
– 1/4 cup sake (or substitute with mirin or chicken broth)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 20 bamboo skewers
– 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together sake, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
2. Add the pork belly cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork belly onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush sesame oil on the pork belly. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, brush scallions with sesame oil and grill for 2-3 minutes, or until crispy.
6. Serve grilled yakitori with toasted scallions on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Pork Belly Curry with Root Vegetables
A hearty and comforting curry dish that combines the rich flavors of pork belly with the earthy sweetness of root vegetables, all wrapped up in a savory Japanese-inspired sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 medium parsnip, peeled and grated
– 1 cup Japanese curry powder
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and parsnip. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the pork is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pork Belly Onigiri Stuffed with Umeboshi
Elevate your onigiri game with this unique combination of crispy pork belly and tangy umeboshi. This Japanese-inspired snack is perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite green tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/2 cup pork belly, diced
– 1/4 cup umeboshi paste
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Water, for shaping
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together cooked rice and salt.
2. Add diced pork belly to the rice mixture and gently combine.
3. Shape the mixture into small triangles or ovals.
4. Place a small dollop of umeboshi paste in the center of each onigiri.
5. Fold the onigiri in half over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the tops with sesame oil.
7. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on shaping and assembling)
Pork Belly Sukiyaki with Tofu and Noodles
Pork Belly Sukiyaki with Tofu and Noodles: A savory and comforting Japanese-inspired dish that combines the rich flavors of pork belly, soft tofu, and springy noodles in a savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken or beef broth)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz soba noodles
– Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or wok, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Add the pork belly slices to the pot and simmer for 1 hour, or until tender.
4. Add the tofu pieces to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Cook the noodles again if needed, then add them to the pot. Simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Pork Belly Tempura with Dipping Sauce
Experience the fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors with this addictive pork belly tempura dish, served with a zesty dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add soda water to form a batter.
3. Dip pork belly pieces into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
5. Fry pork belly tempura for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels.
Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Serve tempura with dipping sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork Belly Rice Bowl with Soft-Cooked Egg and Green Onions
This Korean-inspired dish combines the richness of pork belly with the simplicity of a soft-cooked egg and crunchy green onions, all on top of fluffy rice. A perfect comfort food meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, combine pork belly, soy sauce, Gochujang, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat until the pork is caramelized and crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. Soft-cook the eggs by cracking them into the skillet with the pork belly. Stir gently to break up the yolks.
4. Assemble the bowls by placing a scoop of cooked rice in each bowl, topping with the pork belly mixture, green onions, and additional sesame seeds or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of Japan with these 18 savory pork belly recipes! From slow-cooked braises to grilled skewers, hot pots to sushi rolls, there’s something for every occasion. Discover mouthwatering dishes like Braised Japanese Pork Belly with Soy and Ginger, Grilled Miso-Glazed Pork Belly Skewers, and Sweet and Sticky Pork Belly Teriyaki. Explore the versatility of pork belly in traditional Japanese recipes like Pork Belly Ramen and Pork Belly Curry, or try innovative twists like Pork Belly Sushi Rolls and Pork Belly Tempura. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes will inspire you to create delicious and memorable meals.