Soy-Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise and Scallions

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

Rich pork belly slowly braised in a fragrant soy and star anise broth, finished with fresh scallions for a comforting and deeply savory dish. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 80 minutes pairs grams pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 65 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 600 grams pork belly cubes and brown on all sides for 5-6 minutes to render some fat and develop color.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cloves smashed garlic, 4 slices ginger, and 2 whole star anise pods; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and sauce has thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 stalks chopped scallions just before serving to add freshness and mild onion flavor.
  5. Step 5: Serve the braised pork belly hot over steamed rice or with steamed buns.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 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 Scallions?

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 dark soy sauce from drying out.

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

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 Scallions 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 Scallions?

Asian 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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