Soy-Simmered Pork Belly with Daikon and Soft-Boiled Egg

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

Rich pork belly simmered in a savory soy and mirin broth with tender daikon radish and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. This japanese ready in about 80 minutes pairs pork belly, daikon radish, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb pork belly into 1-inch thick cubes. Peel 1 medium daikon radish and slice into 1/2-inch thick half-moons.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 1/4 cup sake, 2 tbsp sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Add pork belly cubes and daikon slices to the pot. Cover partially and simmer gently for 1 hour until pork is tender and daikon is translucent.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a small pot of water to boil and carefully add 2 large eggs. Boil for exactly 7 minutes for a soft yolk, then transfer eggs to ice water to cool for 5 minutes before peeling.
  5. Step 5: Slice 2 stalks of green onions thinly. Serve the pork belly and daikon in bowls with broth, topped with halved soft-boiled eggs and green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Simmered Pork Belly with Daikon and Soft-Boiled Egg 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-Simmered Pork Belly with Daikon and Soft-Boiled Egg?

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 pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Simmered Pork Belly with Daikon and Soft-Boiled Egg?

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-Simmered Pork Belly with Daikon and Soft-Boiled Egg for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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-Simmered Pork Belly with Daikon and Soft-Boiled Egg?

Japanese japanese 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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