Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Ginger

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich pork belly slow-braised in a soy sauce broth infused with star anise and fresh ginger, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 135 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, vegetable oil, inch piece, sliced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 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-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork belly and sear for 5-6 minutes until all sides are browned and edges are slightly crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, 4 whole garlic cloves, and 3 star anise to the pot. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups water to cover the pork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 chopped scallions and serve over steamed jasmine rice or with steamed buns.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Ginger?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Ginger?

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 Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Ginger 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 Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Ginger?

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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