Slow-Cooked Braised Pork Belly with Coconut Caramel Sauce

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

Rich and tender pork belly slowly braised in a sweet and savory coconut caramel sauce, infused with traditional Vietnamese spices. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes blends pork belly, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, coconut water, palm sugar or brown sugar 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 450 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: 120 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 thinly sliced shallots, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs pork belly cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/3 cup palm sugar and cook for 2 minutes until caramelized and syrupy, then pour in 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 cup coconut water, 1/2 cup water, 2 whole star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is tender and the sauce thickens to a glossy caramel consistency.
  5. Step 5: Remove star anise and cinnamon stick. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped scallions before serving hot with steamed white rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Braised Pork Belly with Coconut Caramel Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Braised Pork Belly with Coconut Caramel 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 Slow-Cooked Braised Pork Belly with Coconut Caramel 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 Slow-Cooked Braised Pork Belly with Coconut Caramel 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 Slow-Cooked Braised Pork Belly with Coconut Caramel Sauce?

Vietnamese 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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