Crispy Soy Sauce Pork Belly
Experience the perfect balance of texture and flavor with this crispy soy sauce pork belly. Thin slices are fried to a golden crunch and glazed in a savory sauce.
This dish elevates simple pork belly into a crave-worthy main course using a two-stage cooking method. By coating the meat in cornstarch and applying a high-heat finish, you achieve a delicate, shattering crust that locks in juices before absorbing the rich, caramelized soy-garlic glaze.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1/4 tsp edible salt
- 1/4 tsp MSG
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1Coat the pork belly
Place the thinly sliced pork belly into a bowl and add cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure every slice is evenly coated with a thin layer of starch.
Tip: The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior and keeps the meat tender during the frying process. - 2Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, a pinch of edible salt, MSG, and white sugar. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Tip: Adjust the ratios of soy sauce and sugar based on your preference for a more savory or slightly sweet finish. - 3Deep fry the pork
Heat oil in a pan until it reaches approximately 80% heat. Carefully add the pork belly slices; they should bubble immediately upon contact with the hot oil.
Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the meat from absorbing too much grease. - 4Fry until golden
Fry the pork belly slices over medium heat for four to five minutes, turning with tongs to ensure even browning on all sides.
Tip: Cooking over medium heat ensures the meat cooks through without burning the exterior too quickly. - 5Remove and crisp
Once the surface browns, increase the heat to high for the final minute to make the skin extra crispy. Use a mesh skimmer to remove the pork from the oil and set aside.
Tip: High heat at the end is the secret to achieving that signature crispy texture. - 6Stir-fry with sauce
Leave a little oil in the pan and add the fried pork belly, sliced garlic, and the prepared sauce. Stir-fry over high heat until the sauce is completely absorbed and coats the meat.
Tip: Work quickly once the sauce is added to prevent the sugar from burning. - 7Stir-fry with sauce
Add the fried pork belly back into the pan with the sliced garlic. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture and stir-fry over high heat until the sauce is completely absorbed and coats the meat.
Tip: Work quickly on high heat to ensure the sauce glazes the meat perfectly without burning the garlic.
