Pan-Seared Pork Belly with Shoyu Garlic Glaze

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

Crispy pan-seared pork belly slices glazed with a sweet and savory shoyu garlic sauce, perfect for an indulgent appetizer or main course. This japanese ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork belly slices, soy sauce (shoyu), mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 400g pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and golden brown. Remove pork belly and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and in the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp brown sugar to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork belly slices to the skillet and coat them well with the shoyu garlic glaze by turning them in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Plate the glazed pork belly and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onion stalks. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Belly with Shoyu Garlic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pork Belly with Shoyu Garlic 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 slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Belly with Shoyu Garlic 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-Seared Pork Belly with Shoyu Garlic Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Pork Belly with Shoyu Garlic Glaze?

Japanese japanese 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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