Sweet Soy Braised Pork Belly

 Sweet Soy Braised Pork Belly

 Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

 Instructions:

1. Optional prep (for cleaner flavor):
   Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pork belly and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse.
2. Sear the pork:
   Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pork belly and sear until golden brown on all sides.
3. Add aromatics:
   Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce:
   Add soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vinegar. Stir well.
5. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45–60 minutes until the pork is tender.
6. Thicken the sauce:
   Remove lid and cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes glossy.
7. Finish:
   Drizzle with sesame oil (optional) before serving.

 Serving:

• Serve over steamed white rice
• Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds

Pro Tip: Low and slow cooking is the key—this is what makes the pork belly super tender and melt-in-your-mouth, just like in the picture