Pan-Seared Chinese Five-Spice Pork Belly

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

Succulent pork belly slices seasoned with fragrant Chinese five-spice, seared until crisp on the edges, perfect for an indulgent Asian-inspired meal. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork belly, Chinese five-spice powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground white pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 1.5 pounds of 1/2-inch thick pork belly slices with skin removed.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork belly slices in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until the edges are golden brown and crisp and the fat has rendered.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the pork belly to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with 2 sliced scallions before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chinese Five-Spice Pork Belly 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-Seared Chinese Five-Spice Pork Belly?

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-Seared Chinese Five-Spice 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 Pan-Seared Chinese Five-Spice Pork Belly 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-Seared Chinese Five-Spice Pork Belly?

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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