Forget everything you thought you knew about pork belly. This recipe transcends the ordinary, transforming humble pork belly into a culinary masterpiece using an unexpected yet utterly delicious ingredient: Coca-Cola. The rich, caramel notes of the cola beautifully complement the savory fat of the pork, creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that's both surprising and satisfying. Imagine succulent, fall-apart pork, infused with the subtle sweetness and depth of Coca-Cola, a dish perfect for a special occasion or a truly indulgent weeknight meal.
This Coca-Cola braised pork belly recipe is a testament to the power of unexpected flavor combinations. The simple yet effective technique unlocks incredible tenderness and a complex flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable dish.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Mortar and pestle
- Sieve
- Towel
- Bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Pork belly (rib-free preferred): 1kg
- Shallots: 30g
- Garlic: 15g
- Chili peppers (seeds removed): 6
- Chicken seasoning powder: 1/2 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1/2 tsp
- Fish sauce (Phu Quoc preferred): 2 tbsp
- Cooking oil: 1 tbsp
- Coca-Cola: 450ml
- Water: 700ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly and Marinade
- Wash the pork belly with salt and diluted vinegar. Cut into 6cm x 3cm pieces.
- Blanch the pork belly in boiling water to remove impurities and odor. Wash and drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the shallots, garlic, and chilies. Blend them into a paste, then strain through a sieve to extract the juice. You can also use a towel to squeeze out excess water.
- Marinate the pork belly with chicken seasoning powder, salt, sugar, fish sauce, and the chili-garlic paste for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes is recommended).
Step 2. Sear and Braise the Pork Belly
- Pan-fry the marinated pork belly until slightly golden brown.
- Add the remaining marinade to the pan, mix well, and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the pork belly to a pot. Add Coca-Cola, water, and fish sauce. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam.
- Add a few more shallots and garlic cloves for extra fragrance. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot (partially, to allow steam to escape), and simmer for 1 hour.
Step 3. Simmer to Perfection
- Remove the shallots and garlic. Simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the meat is very tender. Remove the lid and continue simmering until the braising liquid reduces by half.
Step 4. Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Choose pork belly with both lean and fat for optimal results. Shoulder or thigh meat can be substituted if preferred.
- Fresh chili adds color and flavor to the dish.
- Partially covering the pot during simmering prevents the braising liquid from overflowing and keeps the meat from darkening.
- Allow the braised pork to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of soda instead of Coca-Cola?
While Coca-Cola's unique flavor profile works best, you can experiment with other dark sodas like Dr. Pepper or root beer. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
2. How long can I store leftover Coca-Cola braised pork belly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
This Coca-Cola braised pork belly recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrating Tet or any special occasion. The surprising combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave a lasting impression on your guests, and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable culinary delight!