Savory Soy Sauce Stir-Fried Pork Belly
Transform humble pork belly into a rich, caramelized masterpiece with just soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar. This quick stir-fry is a perfect companion for steaming hot rice.
This simple stir-fry highlights the incredible transformation of pork belly when seared to render its fat. By combining the natural richness of the meat with the deep umami of soy sauce and the sharp aromatics of fresh garlic, you create a complex, glossy glaze in minutes. It is a quintessential home-cooked dish that relies on timing and high heat to achieve the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
- 500 g pork belly
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 head garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- 1Fry the pork belly
Add thin slices of pork belly into a hot pan with a small amount of oil. Fry the pork belly until it releases its own fat.
Tip: Removing the skin from the pork belly before slicing helps achieve a better texture. - 2Render the fat
Continue to stir-fry the pork belly until the fat has rendered and the meat is browned. Pour out the excess fat from the pan.
Tip: Removing excess fat ensures the dish is not too greasy. - 3Add garlic
Add a handful of smashed garlic cloves to the browned pork belly. Stir-fry together until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Tip: Make sure not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. - 4Season with soy sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then pour two tablespoons of soy sauce over the pork belly. Be careful to stir quickly to avoid burning the soy sauce.
Tip: Low heat is essential here to prevent the soy sauce from caramelizing too quickly and burning. - 5Add sugar
Add a teaspoon of sugar to the pan to enhance the savory flavor of the pork.
Tip: The sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce perfectly. - 6Glaze and serve
Add a little water to the pan and stir everything together until the pork belly is well-coated in a savory glaze. Serve hot with rice.
Tip: The water helps create a glossy sauce that clings to the meat.
