Braised Taiwanese Pork Belly with Five-Spice Sauce
Tender pork belly slowly braised in a fragrant five-spice soy sauce mixture, served with steamed rice. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes blends pork belly, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pork belly
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 4, smashed garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece, sliced ginger
- 2, cut into thirds scallions
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- to serve steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb pork belly cut into 1-inch cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes until all sides are golden brown.
- Step 2: Add 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1-inch sliced ginger, and 2 cut scallions to the pot, sautéing for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Stir to coat the pork, then add 1 cup water, 2 whole star anise, and 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder.
- Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove star anise and scallions before serving. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Taiwanese Pork Belly with Five-Spice Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Braised Taiwanese Pork Belly with Five-Spice Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Taiwanese Pork Belly with Five-Spice Sauce?
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 Taiwanese Pork Belly with Five-Spice Sauce 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 Taiwanese Pork Belly with Five-Spice Sauce?
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.
