Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly

By Inés Anguiano

4.7

(6)

SakeandSoy Braised Pork Belly in a white bowl
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Pearl Jones and Thu Buser, prop styling by Sean Dooley

For sweet and sticky glazed pork belly, start with caramel. Melting dark brown sugar with a splash of water creates the thick, bittersweet foundation of a braising liquid (loosely inspired by the flavors of Japanese kakuni) that reduces to syrupy perfection while the pork belly becomes shreddably tender and moist. There’s no need for an initial sear on the meat either; that sauce packs more than enough umami flavor. Soy sauce, earthy-sweet sake, and a trio of aromatics—ginger, chile peppers, and garlic—add balance with just the right amount of heat.

What you’ll need

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Chocolate Guinness Cake
A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.
Apple-Walnut Charoset
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.