Indulge in the rich, savory depths of Vietnamese braised pork belly, a culinary masterpiece that embodies the harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. This iconic dish, often served at celebratory feasts and family gatherings, is surprisingly simple to recreate at home. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is achieved through a slow, gentle braising process, allowing the aromatic spices and rich broth to infuse every succulent bite. Imagine the fragrant steam rising, releasing the intoxicating aroma of star anise, cinnamon, and fish sauce.
This recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving perfectly braised pork belly, transforming a humble cut of meat into a dish fit for royalty. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful braising liquid to achieving that ideal balance of textures. Ready to embark on this flavorful journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cast iron dutch oven (or wide shallow cast iron pan)
- Pot with heavy bottom
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Japanese mandolin (optional)
Ingredients
- Pork belly (or pork shoulder)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- White granulated sugar
- Coconut water (or water/chicken stock)
- Soy sauce (dark soy sauce, optional)
- Fish sauce (e.g., Red Boat)
- Jasmine rice
- Cucumber
- Green onion
- Cilantro (or parsley/mint/basil)
- Lime juice
- Yuzu hot sauce (or hot peppers, optional)
- Neutral oil (e.g., canola)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly and Aromatics
- Cut pork into roughly 2cm thick pieces. Trim excess fat, remove connective tissue. Season generously with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.
- Peel and dice onion. Thinly slice garlic and roughly chop ginger.
Step 2. Braising the Pork Belly
- Heat oil in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Brown pork pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary.
- Add sugar to a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Let it melt without stirring until amber brown. Add to the browned pork.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pork. Cook until onions are translucent and garlic/ginger are fragrant.
- Add coconut water (or substitute) and deglaze the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes.
- After 35 minutes of braising, season the pork with soy sauce and fish sauce. Let it reduce uncovered until sauce thickens.
Step 3. Prepare the Green Herb Salad
- Thinly slice cucumber and green onion for the salad. Add cilantro (or substitute).
- Season the salad with salt, lime juice, and yuzu hot sauce (or substitute).
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Rinse jasmine rice and cook with a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio, seasoned with salt, until done.
- Serve braised pork over steamed rice, topped with the green salad and cilantro.
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- Place a kitchen towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping.
- Use a wide, shallow pan for even browning and braising of the pork.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 20-40g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly gives the best results due to its fat content, you can try using pork shoulder or a combination of pork shoulder and belly for a leaner version. Adjust braising time accordingly; leaner cuts will cook faster.
2. How can I make the green herb salad ahead of time?
Prepare the salad components (herbs, vegetables) separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving to prevent wilting. You can also lightly toss the herbs with a little bit of oil to help keep them fresh.
This Vietnamese braised pork belly, with its tender meat and fragrant spices, is a truly rewarding dish to prepare. The accompanying fresh herb salad provides a vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the pork, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for sharing with friends and family!