Braised Soy-Glazed Pork Belly with Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork belly slowly braised in a rich soy glaze, complemented by the freshness of scallions for a perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 80 minutes pairs pork belly, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork belly cut into 1-inch cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp finely grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 cup water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Braise gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid, stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 3 sliced scallions. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes to let sauce reduce and scallions soften slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Soy-Glazed Pork Belly with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 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 Soy-Glazed Pork Belly with Scallions?

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 pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Soy-Glazed Pork Belly with Scallions?

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 Soy-Glazed Pork Belly with Scallions 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 Soy-Glazed Pork Belly with Scallions?

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.

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