Sautéed Pork Belly with Garlic and Soy Glaze

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

Rich pork belly slices seared and glazed in a savory garlic-soy sauce, delivering a perfect balance of umami and caramelized flavor. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 400 grams pork belly strips and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until edges are crisp and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté with the pork for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, mixing to coat pork evenly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the meat.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and toss once more.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with sliced scallions from 2 stalks for freshness and color.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Belly with Garlic and Soy Glaze 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 Sautéed Pork Belly with Garlic and 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pork Belly with Garlic and 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 Sautéed Pork Belly with Garlic and Soy 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 Sautéed Pork Belly with Garlic and Soy Glaze?

Asian Fusion 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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