18 Easy Japanese Pork Belly Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you've probably heard of the melt-in-your-mouth dish known as pork belly. This flavorful cut of meat is a staple in many Japanese dishes, and now you can easily recreate it at home with this simple pork belly recipe. Not only is this dish delicious, but it also requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. So, let's dive into the delicious world of Japanese pork belly and learn how to make this easy and mouth-watering dish.
Kakuni, also known as Japanese braised pork belly, is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. It is a type of simmered pork belly that is slow-cooked in a savory and sweet broth until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. This dish is often served as a side dish or used as a topping for ramen or rice bowls. The combination of tender pork belly and rich, flavorful broth makes it a favorite among meat-lovers.
2of 20
Midnight Diner’s “Tonjiru” ~ Japanese Pork Belly &...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Yellow Onion, Daikon Radish, Medium
Tonjiru is a hearty soup dish made with pork belly, vegetables, and miso broth. This dish is often served at Izakayas, traditional Japanese pubs, as a comfort food. It is also a popular dish in the popular Japanese TV drama, "Midnight Diner". The tender pork belly and flavorful broth make this dish a perfect meal for a cold, rainy day.
Japanese braised pork belly, or kakuni, is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The pork belly is slowly cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, sake, and sugar, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish is usually served with steamed rice and some vegetables on the side.
Kakuni is a classic Japanese dish that is often served at home-cooked meals and traditional celebrations. The dish is made by simmering pork belly in a broth made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until it becomes tender and flavorful. The dish is usually served with a side of vegetables and steamed rice.
5of 20
Kakuni (Japanese Simmered Pork Belly)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Shallot, Ginger, Sake, Water, Soy Sauce
Kakuni, also known as "buta no kakuni", is a popular dish in Japan that is often enjoyed during the colder months. The dish is made by slowly simmering pork belly in a flavorful broth until it becomes tender and flavorful. It is often served as a side dish or used as a topping for ramen or rice bowls.
6of 20
Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Buta no Kakuni)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Pork Belly, Leeks, Fresh Ginger, Dashi
Buta no kakuni, or Japanese braised pork belly, is a flavorful and comforting dish that is popular in Japanese cuisine. The pork belly is slow-cooked in a savory broth made with soy sauce, sake, and sugar until it becomes tender and flavorful. It is often served with vegetables and steamed rice for a complete meal.
7of 20
Instant Pot Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Kakuni)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Green Onions, Fresh Ginger, Onion
For those who want to enjoy kakuni without the long cooking time, using an Instant Pot is a great option. The pork belly is cooked in a flavorful broth in a fraction of the time, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. This dish can be served as a standalone dish or used as a topping for ramen or rice bowls.
8of 20
Instant Pot Chashu for Ramen (Japanese Braised Pork...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Green Onions, Fresh Ginger, Sake, Japanese
Chashu is a popular topping for ramen that is made from braised pork belly. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can make this delicious topping at home in a fraction of the time. The pork belly is cooked in a flavorful broth until it becomes tender and flavorful, making it the perfect addition to any bowl of ramen.
Miso ramen is a popular type of ramen that originated in northern Japan. The broth is made from fermented soybean paste, giving it a rich and savory flavor. Adding some spicy kick to the broth gives it an extra depth of flavor, making it a favorite among ramen-lovers. Pork belly is often used as a topping for this dish.
10of 20
Pork Wonton Soup Meets Japanese Braised Pork Belly and...
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Green Onion, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
This fusion dish combines two beloved dishes, pork wonton soup and Japanese braised pork belly. The rich and flavorful broth of the wonton soup is enhanced by the addition of tender and savory pork belly. This dish is perfect for those who want to try something new while still getting their fix of traditional flavors.
11of 20
Smokey Japanese Chashu (Smoked Pork Belly) On A...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Soy Sauce, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Scallions
Smoked pork belly, also known as chashu, is a popular topping for ramen and rice bowls in Japan. The pork belly is slow-cooked in a smoker, resulting in a tender and smoky flavor. This dish is often served on a bed of rice or used as a topping for ramen to add an extra layer of flavor.
12of 20
Japanese Char Siew
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Soy Sauce, Sake, Mirin, Brown Sugar, Spring
Char siew, or Japanese-style barbecue pork, is a popular dish in Japan. The pork belly is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then grilled to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is often served as a topping for ramen or used in rice bowls.
Yakisoba is a popular street food in Japan that is made by stir-frying noodles with vegetables and meat. In this dish, pork belly is used as the protein, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish. This quick and easy meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a taste of Japan at home.
Okonomiyaki is a popular dish in Japan that is often referred to as a "Japanese pancake". This savory pancake is made with shredded cabbage and a variety of toppings, including pork belly. The pork belly adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
15of 20
Japanese Butadon Pork Bowls
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Small Onion, Broth, Water, Tamari, Mirin
Butadon, or Japanese pork bowls, is a popular dish in Japan that is often served at fast-food restaurants. The dish consists of steamed rice topped with thinly sliced pork belly and a sweet and savory sauce. It is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for those on-the-go.
16of 20
Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-fried Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Yakisoba Noodles, Spring
Yakisoba is a popular dish in Japan that is made by stir-frying noodles with vegetables and meat. Thinly sliced pork belly is often used as the protein in this dish, adding a rich and savory flavor. It is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a taste of Japan at home.
17of 20
Udon w/ 36-hours Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Kosher Salt, Coriander Seeds, Star Anise
36-hour pork belly is a popular dish in Japan that is known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The pork belly is slow-cooked for 36 hours in a flavorful broth until it becomes fall-apart tender. It is often served with udon noodles and a variety of toppings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Slow-cooker Pork Belly Ramen
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Tamari, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, White Miso
Ramen is a popular dish in Japan that is known for its rich and flavorful broth. This recipe uses a slow-cooker to make the broth, allowing all the flavors to meld together for a delicious and comforting meal. The addition of tender and flavorful pork belly makes this dish a must-try for ramen lovers.
Tonkotsu ramen is a popular type of ramen that originated in Fukuoka, Japan. The broth is made by simmering pork bones for hours, resulting in a rich and creamy broth. The dish is often topped with savory and tender pork belly, making it a heartier and more satisfying meal.
20of 20
Ginger pork belly yakisoba
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Grated Ginger, Sake, Soy Sauce, Mirin
This dish combines two popular dishes in Japan, ginger pork and yakisoba. The thinly sliced pork belly is marinated in a ginger soy sauce and then stir-fried with noodles and vegetables. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any day of the week.
Preparing the Pork Belly
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to pork belly, not all cuts are created equal. To get the best results, it's important to choose a cut with a good balance of meat and fat. Look for a cut that has about an inch of fat on top, as this will keep the meat juicy and tender while cooking. You can also ask your local butcher for their recommendation on the best cut for this recipe.
Marinating the Meat
One of the key steps in making a delicious pork belly dish is marinating the meat. This not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. For this recipe, we will be using a simple marinade of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that pairs well with the rich and fatty pork belly.
Cooking the Pork Belly
Slow Roasting
The secret to achieving the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture for pork belly is slow roasting. This method allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Preheat your oven to 300°F and place the pork belly in a roasting pan. You can also add some garlic cloves and ginger slices for added flavor. Cover the pan with foil and let it cook for 2-3 hours, basting the meat with the marinade every hour.
Grilling for a Crispy Finish
For a crispy and caramelized exterior, we recommend finishing off the pork belly on the grill. Simply remove the foil and place the meat on a preheated grill, cooking each side for about 5 minutes until it develops a crispy crust. This step is completely optional, but it adds a delicious smoky flavor and texture to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your pork belly is cooked to perfection, it's time to enjoy it! This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can also slice the pork belly and serve it in lettuce wraps or sliders for a fun twist. And for an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some of the leftover marinade on top before serving.
In conclusion, this easy Japanese pork belly recipe is a must-try for any Japanese food lover. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends. So don't wait any longer, head to your local grocery store and start cooking up this delicious Japanese pork belly dish.