Fish Sauce and Garlic Braised Pork Belly

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

Rich pork belly slowly braised in a caramelized fish sauce and garlic mixture, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a glossy finish. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes blends fish sauce, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves 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 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 8 smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 2 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds cubed pork belly to the pot and sear for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup fish sauce and 3 tbsp brown sugar, allowing the sugar to dissolve and caramelize slightly for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups water and add 1 tsp whole black peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high, cooking uncovered for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce to a glossy glaze.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving over steamed jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fish Sauce and Garlic Braised Pork Belly take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Fish Sauce and Garlic Braised Pork Belly?

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 Fish Sauce and Garlic 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 Fish Sauce and Garlic Braised Pork Belly for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Fish Sauce and Garlic Braised Pork Belly?

Vietnamese 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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