Simmered Pork Belly with Pineapple and Coconut Sauce

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

A sweet and savory Filipino-inspired dish with tender pork belly, juicy pineapple, and creamy coconut sauce. This filipino-inspired asian ready in about 95 minutes blends pork belly, pineapple chunks, coconut milk into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5 lbs pork belly, 1 small sliced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp minced ginger. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until pork is browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Stir into the pot and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Discard onion and ginger, season with salt if needed.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Pork Belly with Pineapple and Coconut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Simmered Pork Belly with Pineapple and Coconut Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Pork Belly with Pineapple and Coconut Sauce?

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 Pork Belly with Pineapple and Coconut Sauce 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 Pork Belly with Pineapple and Coconut Sauce?

Filipino 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes