Ginger-Soy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Daikon

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

Rich pork belly slowly braised in a fragrant ginger and soy broth, served alongside crisp, tangy pickled daikon radish for balance. This korean ready in about 80 minutes pairs soy sauce, mirin, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl. Add 1 cup peeled thinly sliced daikon radish, stir well and let pickle at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add 1.5 lbs pork belly cubes and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 1 cup water, 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, 4 smashed garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp brown sugar to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Serve the braised pork belly hot, topped with the drained pickled daikon for a crisp, tangy contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Soy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Daikon 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 Ginger-Soy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Daikon?

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 Ginger-Soy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Daikon?

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 Ginger-Soy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Daikon 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 Ginger-Soy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Daikon?

Korean korean 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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