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The sizzling sound of pork belly hitting a hot skillet is music to my ears. With its rich, indulgent flavors and glossy, sticky glaze, Sticky Chinese Pork Belly transports me straight to my favorite Chinese restaurant—without the wait! Imagine the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of perfectly cooked pork, bathed in a sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It’s the epitome of comfort food, yet surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.

After countless experiments and tweaking, I’ve discovered that simple pantry staples like soy sauce and honey transform into a delectable glaze that pleases every palate—perfect for those of us yearning for a break from the fast food rut. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive in and create this unforgettable dish together!

Why is Sticky Chinese Pork Belly a Must-Try?

Indulgent flavors: This dish offers a delightful sweet-salty balance that envelops tender pork belly, making it hard to resist.
Easy preparation: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll have restaurant-quality food at home!
Comfort food classic: Perfect for cozy nights or special occasions, it’s a surefire crowd pleaser.
Versatile pairings: Serve it over rice or noodles, and it complements a variety of vegetables wonderfully.
Make-ahead option: This dish keeps well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers later—what’s not to love?

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Ingredients

For the Pork Belly
• Pork Belly – This rich protein source gives depth and flavor. Choose a well-balanced cut for the best bite.
• Vegetable Oil – Essential for searing the pork; can be replaced with canola or peanut oil if desired.

For the Sauce
• Soy Sauce – The cornerstone of flavor; mix light and dark for a balanced umami taste.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in caramelizing the sauce; substitute with honey for similar results.
• Chinese Rice Wine (Shaoxing Wine) – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth; dry sherry works as a good substitute.
• Hoisin Sauce – This sweet-savory blend enhances the glaze; combine soy sauce with sugar if you’re out.
• Honey – Helps achieve that sticky glaze; opt for agave syrup for a vegan alternative.
• Garlic – Freshly minced, it’s essential for flavor enhancement in the sauce.
• Ginger – Adds warmth; fresh ginger is recommended over dried for maximum flavor impact.
• Chinese Five-Spice Powder – An optional ingredient that introduces a warm, complex taste to the dish.
• Water – Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce as it cooks.

For Garnishing
• Green Onions – A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds both color and flavor upon serving.
• Sesame Seeds – Optional, but adds a crunchy texture and visual appeal to your finished dish.

With these simple Sticky Chinese Pork Belly ingredients, you’re on your way to a delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout!

How to Make Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Prepare Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes, then parboil them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. This process removes impurities and helps create a tender texture.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until they become fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Brown the Pork Belly: Carefully add the parboiled pork belly cubes to the skillet. Sear the cubes for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they showcase a light golden color.
Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and optional five-spice powder until well combined.
Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the browned pork belly in the skillet. Add half a cup of water, stir gently, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the pork belly to simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens, adding more water if needed.
Caramelize: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Let the sauce reduce for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until it develops a sticky, glossy texture.
Serve: Transfer the sticky pork belly to a serving plate and garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and beauty.

Optional: Drizzle with a little extra honey for an extra layer of sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality pork belly with an even fat-to-meat ratio for that melt-in-your-mouth experience; it’s essential for flavor and texture.
Parboil for Tenderness: Don’t skip the parboiling step; it significantly reduces impurities and enhances the tenderness of the pork belly.
Simmer Gently: Maintain low heat while simmering to prevent the sauce from burning, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the caramelizing step and let it reduce until it reaches the desired sticky consistency.
Flavor Boosting: For extra depth, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a subtle, richer flavor in your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly.

What to Serve with Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

Imagine sharing a beautifully crafted meal that combines textures and flavors to make every bite memorable. From rice to fresh vegetables, here are a few delightful pairings to elevate your dining experience.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Perfectly fluffy, this rice absorbs the sticky glaze beautifully, complementing every morsel of pork.
Sautéed Bok Choy: Crunchy and vibrant, bok choy adds a fresh element that contrasts beautifully with the rich pork belly.
Garlic Noodles: These savory noodles offer a fulfilling base that mixes well with the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, a simple salad of cucumbers with a light sesame dressing cleanses the palate after each rich bite.
Sweet and Sour Pickles: The tangy crunch from pickles brightens the heavy dish with a balance of sweetness and acidity, making every bite exciting.
Chilled Green Tea: Light and refreshing, this beverage soothes the palate, providing a delightful counterpoint to the rich flavors of the sticky pork.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet finish of creamy coconut milk-soaked sticky rice with fresh mango echoes the dish’s sweet notes while offering a perfect end to the meal.

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into this recipe and discover your perfect twist on sticky delight!

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery burst of flavor that brings warmth to each bite. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
Different Cuts: Swap the pork belly for pork shoulder or ribs. These options offer diverse textures and flavors that can change your dining experience entirely.
Miso Glaze: Incorporate a tablespoon of miso paste into the sauce for a rich, umami flavor. This tangy twist adds depth to your sticky glaze, elevating the dish even further.
Vegan Option: Use firm tofu or seitan instead of pork. With the sauce applied, this alternative captures the essence of the original while catering to plant-based diets.
Sweet and Tangy: Mix in a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce for a unique glaze that carries a delightful sweetness balanced by tangy notes. It’s a lovely alternative that will surprise your taste buds!
Citrus Zing: A splash of orange juice or zest added to the sauce brightens the flavors, adding a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the rich pork.
Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs, like cilantro or Thai basil, just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor that awakens the dish.
Crunchy Topping: For an exciting texture contrast, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or crispy shallots on top as a garnish—each bite will bring delightful crunch alongside the tender meat.

Make Ahead Options

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pork belly by cutting it into 1-inch cubes and parboiling them up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that the meat is tender and flavorful. Additionally, the sauce can be mixed ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, simply brown the pork belly, add the prepped sauce and simmer until everything is deliciously sticky. This approach saves time during busy weeknights, ensuring your meal is just as delightful as if it were made fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving leftover Sticky Chinese Pork Belly at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain safety and freshness.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Sticky Chinese Pork Belly for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water for moisture or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through.

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Recipe FAQs

What type of pork belly should I use for this recipe?
I recommend choosing pork belly that has a good balance of meat and fat—the more marbling, the better! This will ensure that your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is deliciously tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Look for cuts that are well-trimmed without dark spots or excess connective tissue.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can store your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up.

Can I freeze Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Sticky Chinese Pork Belly for up to 2 months. To do this, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. For best results, remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

What if my sauce is too thin?
If you find that your sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, don’t worry! Simply remove the lid from your skillet and let it simmer on medium heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. Stir regularly as the excess moisture evaporates, and the sauce will thicken up beautifully into that sticky glaze we all love.

Can my pet eat Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
It’s best to keep this dish away from pets. The rich flavors, soy sauce, and sugar could upset your pet’s stomach. If you want to treat them, consider cooking plain, unseasoned pork as a nice alternative!

What can I serve with Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
Sticky Chinese Pork Belly pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, add sautéed bok choy or broccoli for a burst of flavor and freshness. The more the merrier when it comes to delicious pairings!