Braised Daikon and Pork Belly with Star Anise and Soy
Tender pork belly slowly braised with sweet daikon radish in a fragrant soy and star anise broth, creating a comforting and rich flavor balance. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, soy sauce, dark soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly
- 3 cups, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks daikon radish
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 whole star anise
- 1-inch piece, sliced ginger
- 3 cloves, smashed garlic cloves
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, chopped for garnish green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork belly cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 2: Add 3 cups daikon chunks, 1-inch sliced ginger, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and 2 whole star anise to the pot, stirring for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and daikon is soft.
- Step 4: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 chopped green onion stalks before serving with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Daikon and Pork Belly with Star Anise and Soy take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Daikon and Pork Belly with Star Anise and Soy?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Daikon and Pork Belly with Star Anise and Soy?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Braised Daikon and Pork Belly with Star Anise and Soy for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Braised Daikon and Pork Belly with Star Anise and Soy?
Chinese pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
