Simmered Okinawan Pork Belly with Tofu and Sweet Potato

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

A hearty Okinawan stew combining tender pork belly, silky tofu, and sweet potato simmered in a savory broth reflecting Okinawa’s traditional flavors. This japanese-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu, medium, sliced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 60 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 400 g pork belly cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium sliced onion and 20 g thinly sliced ginger to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups dashi stock, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir gently and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes until pork is tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 200 g peeled purple sweet potato chunks and 300 g firm tofu cubes to the pot. Simmer gently for an additional 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are soft and tofu has absorbed flavors.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 2 chopped green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Okinawan Pork Belly with Tofu and Sweet Potato take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Simmered Okinawan Pork Belly with Tofu and Sweet Potato?

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 medium, sliced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Okinawan Pork Belly with Tofu and Sweet Potato?

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 Simmered Okinawan Pork Belly with Tofu and Sweet Potato 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 Simmered Okinawan Pork Belly with Tofu and Sweet Potato?

Japanese 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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