Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Scallions
Slices of crispy pan-fried pork belly glazed with a savory soy-ginger sauce and finished with fresh scallions for a balanced, flavorful dish. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices, soy sauce, finely grated fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 thinly sliced scallions
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of 1/4-inch thick pork belly slices in a single layer; cook for 4-5 minutes per side until edges are crispy and golden.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3: Pour the soy-ginger glaze over the pork belly in the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 2 minutes, turning slices to coat evenly until the sauce thickens and clings to the pork.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp black pepper before serving immediately with steamed rice or greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Scallions?
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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Scallions?
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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Scallions 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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Soy-Ginger Glaze and Scallions?
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.