Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze

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

Tender pork belly caramelized in a rich sweet soy sauce, served with steamed rice for a comforting meal. This shanghainese-inspired asian ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork belly, soy sauce, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 30 min Serves 4 Shanghainese cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb pork belly, trimmed and cut into 1-inch thick slices, in a bowl. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, then add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp minced ginger to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the sauce covers the pork.
  4. Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes, turning the pork occasionally, until tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and increase heat to high, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the pork belly to a plate and garnish with 2 green onions, thinly sliced. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sweet Soy Glaze?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Glaze?

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 Sweet Soy Glaze 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 Sweet Soy Glaze?

Shanghainese asian 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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