Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slowly braised pork belly infused with fragrant lemongrass and creamy coconut milk, delivering tender, rich flavors inspired by Pacific island cuisine. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs stalks fresh lemongrass stalks, bruised, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp sliced ginger, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs pork belly cubes to the pot, searing for 5-7 minutes until edges are golden brown. Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar and cook another 2 minutes until sugar melts and caramelizes slightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 1 cup water, 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, and 2 tbsp fish sauce. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove lemongrass stalks before serving. Serve pork belly with steamed rice or tropical greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly?

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 (13.5 oz) coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly?

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 Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly 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 Coconut-Lemongrass Braised Pork Belly?

Asian 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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