Hunan-Style Twice-Cooked Pork with Spicy Bean Paste

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

Slices of pork belly simmered, then stir-fried with spicy fermented bean paste and bell peppers for a rich and fiery Hunan classic. This Chinese-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs pork belly, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb sliced pork belly in a pot with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes until just cooked through but still firm. Drain and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the boiled pork belly slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until edges are browned and slightly crispy.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp doubanjiang to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the oil turns red.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 sliced green bell pepper and 1 sliced red bell pepper strips. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, and salt to taste. Stir well and cook for another minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 chopped scallions over the dish. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hunan-Style Twice-Cooked Pork with Spicy Bean Paste take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Hunan-Style Twice-Cooked Pork with Spicy Bean Paste?

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 Hunan-Style Twice-Cooked Pork with Spicy Bean Paste?

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 Hunan-Style Twice-Cooked Pork with Spicy Bean Paste 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 Hunan-Style Twice-Cooked Pork with Spicy Bean Paste?

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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