Slow-Simmered Pork Belly in Spicy Hunan Chili Sauce

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

Rich pork belly slowly braised in a bold and spicy Hunan-style chili sauce, yielding tender meat with a fiery kick. This chinese ready in about 85 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, vegetable oil, minced garlic 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: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering; add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork belly and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp fermented chili bean paste, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 5 whole dried red chilies; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp brown sugar; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering gently for 1 hour until pork is tender.
  4. Step 4: Optional: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry; stir into the pot and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 3 chopped scallion stalks before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Pork Belly in Spicy Hunan Chili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Pork Belly in Spicy Hunan Chili 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-Simmered Pork Belly in Spicy Hunan Chili 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-Simmered Pork Belly in Spicy Hunan Chili 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-Simmered Pork Belly in Spicy Hunan Chili Sauce?

Chinese chinese 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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