19 Japanese Kakuni Pork Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Kakuni pork is a popular and beloved dish in Japan, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich umami flavor. This dish is a type of braised pork belly, slow-cooked in a sweet and savory broth until it is tender and bursting with flavor. While the traditional recipe calls for using a special cut of pork, this version is adapted for easy preparation and can be made with ingredients that are more readily available. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create your own delicious Japanese kakuni pork at home.
Pork katsu, or breaded and fried pork cutlet, is a popular dish in Japan. It is typically served with a side of shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce for dipping. To make this dish, thinly sliced pork is coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Kakuni is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of slow-cooked pork belly simmered in a sweet and savory broth. The pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it the perfect topping for rice or noodles. This dish requires patience, but the end result is well worth the wait.
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Buta Kakuni (Japanese braised porkbelly)
Main Ingredients: Dried Sardines, Ginger, Garlic, Water, Mirin, Sugar
Similar to kakuni, buta kakuni is a braised pork belly dish that is a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) food. The pork is braised in a mirin and soy sauce-based broth until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served with a soft-boiled egg and green onions, this dish is a must-try for pork lovers.
This version of kakuni is braised in a mixture of sake, soy sauce, and ginger, giving it a slightly different flavor profile than the traditional recipe. The addition of star anise and garlic also adds depth to the dish. Serve with a side of steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
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Kakuni (Japanese Simmered Pork Belly)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Shallot, Ginger, Sake, Water, Soy Sauce
This recipe for kakuni is a simplified version that is perfect for busy weeknights. The pork belly is simmered in a soy sauce-based broth with ginger, garlic, and green onions. It may not have the same complexity as other versions, but it is still delicious and comforting.
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Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Buta no Kakuni)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Pork Belly, Leeks, Fresh Ginger, Dashi
Buta no kakuni is a classic Japanese dish that is usually served during special occasions or holidays. The pork is braised in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake until it is incredibly tender and flavorful. This recipe also includes konnyaku (a type of yam cake) which adds a unique texture to the dish.
Chashu is a popular topping for ramen, and it is essentially marinated and braised pork belly. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar before being slow-cooked in the oven. The result is tender and flavorful pork that is perfect for adding to your favorite bowl of ramen.
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Japanese Pork Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Egg, Soy Sauce, Green Onions, Pork, Wonton
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japan. These pork-filled dumplings are typically pan-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The combination of the crispy wrapper and juicy filling is irresistible.
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Instant Pot Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Kakuni)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Green Onions, Fresh Ginger, Onion
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious kakuni, this recipe is for you. Using an Instant Pot, you can achieve the same tender and flavorful pork belly in a fraction of the time. The pork is cooked in a sweet and savory broth and served with a side of rice and vegetables.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
This recipe for gyoza dumplings is a little different from the traditional pork filling. It includes shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts in addition to the ground pork. These dumplings are then steamed and pan-fried for a delicious and unique twist on a classic Japanese dish.
Ginger pork, or shogayaki, is a popular Japanese dish that is often found in izakayas and bento boxes. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in a ginger-soy sauce and then pan-fried until crispy. This dish is a great way to introduce more ginger into your diet, which is known for its health benefits.
This fusion dish combines Italian pasta with Japanese flavors. The pasta is cooked in a creamy sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and shiitake mushrooms. Thinly sliced beef or pork is also added for extra protein. This dish is a great way to switch up your usual pasta routine.
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Japanese Pork Yakisoba
Main Ingredients: Pork, Matchstick Carrots, Small Cabbage, Onion, Red
Yakisoba is a popular stir-fry dish in Japan, and this version includes pork as the protein. The dish also includes vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, making it a well-rounded meal. The noodles are stir-fried in a soy sauce-based sauce that gives it a delicious umami flavor.
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Homemade Japanese Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Salt, Pork, Minced Fresh Garlic, Minced Fresh
If you're feeling ambitious, why not try making your own gyoza from scratch? This recipe walks you through the process of making the dough and the pork filling from scratch. It may take a little more time and effort, but the end result is well worth it.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savoury Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Dashi Stock, Egg, Shredded
Okonomiyaki is a popular street food in Japan, and it can be described as a savory pancake filled with various ingredients. This version includes pork belly, cabbage, and green onions in the batter. It is then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular donburi (rice bowl) dish in Japan that consists of a pork cutlet, egg, and onions over a bed of rice. The pork is typically breaded and fried before being simmered in a sweet and savory broth. This dish is hearty and comforting, making it a great choice for a cold day.
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JAPANESE TSUKUNE WITH TERIYAKI SAUCE
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Celery, Ground Meat, Pork, Salt, Pepper
Tsukune, or meatballs, are a popular dish in Japan and can be made with various types of meat. This recipe uses ground pork and adds in grated onion and panko breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture. The teriyaki sauce adds a delicious sweet and tangy element to the dish.
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Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Pork, Carrots, Potatoes, Water, Soy Sauce
Nikujaga is a classic Japanese comfort food that is perfect for colder weather. It is a stew that typically consists of beef, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in a soy sauce-based broth. This version uses pork instead of beef, but the result is still just as delicious.
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a pork cutlet that is breaded and deep-fried until crispy. It is typically served with a side of shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce for dipping. This dish is a favorite among children and adults alike.
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish that can be found all over the world. This version includes spicy ground pork in the broth, adding a delicious kick to the dish. The broth is also made from miso paste, giving it a unique and rich flavor.
Ingredients for Japanese Kakuni Pork
Pork Belly
The key ingredient for this dish is, of course, pork belly. It is a fatty and flavorful cut that is perfect for slow cooking. Look for a piece with an even layer of fat and meat, and ask your butcher to cut it into thick slices for you.
Soy Sauce and Mirin
The broth for the kakuni pork is made with a combination of soy sauce and mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine. These two ingredients provide the umami flavor and sweetness that is characteristic of this dish.
Green Onions and Ginger
The broth is also infused with the flavors of green onions and ginger. These ingredients add a fresh and aromatic element to the dish, balancing out the richness of the pork.
Eggs
While not traditionally included in the recipe, adding eggs to the broth can be a delicious addition. The eggs soak up the flavorful broth and become silky and savory, making them a tasty accompaniment to the pork.
Preparing the Pork Belly
To achieve the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture of kakuni pork, the pork belly needs to be slow-cooked for a few hours. This can be done on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. First, the pork belly is seared in a pan until browned on all sides. Then, it is placed in a pot with the broth ingredients and simmered until tender.
Serving Japanese Kakuni Pork
Once the pork is cooked, it is typically served with a side of rice and green vegetables such as bok choy or spinach. The flavorful broth can also be used as a sauce for the rice. Some people also like to top their kakuni pork with pickled ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
In conclusion, making Japanese kakuni pork at home is a simple and delicious way to experience the flavors of Japan. The key is to take the time to slow-cook the pork belly until it is tender and infused with the flavors of the broth. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Try this recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
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