Braised Japanese Pork Belly with Soy Sauce Recipe

This braised Japanese pork belly, known as ‘Buta no Kakuni’, is a flavorful dish that combines tender pork belly with a rich soy sauce-based marinade. So here’s the complete braised Japanese pork belly with soy sauce recipe.

The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb the savory flavors, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The recipe is straightforward and perfect for a comforting meal. Serve it with steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a complete experience.

Tender Braised Pork Belly Recipe

This dish features succulent pork belly braised in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze. The cooking time is approximately 2 hours, and it serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds pork belly, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup sake
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Water as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork belly into 2-inch pieces and blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Braising Liquid: In a large pot, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Add the Pork: Add the blanched pork belly pieces to the pot. Ensure the pork is submerged in the liquid, adding water if necessary.
  4. Braise the Pork: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 2 hours, turning the pork occasionally until it is tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and slice if desired. Serve hot with the braising sauce drizzled over the top, garnished with chopped green onions.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Fat: 35g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g

This recipe is part of my 45 Delicious and Easy Japanese Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!

Jeff Campbell
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