Delectable Chinese 5 Spice Pork Belly Recipe

Are you in search of a tasty and uncomplicated pork belly recipe with a distinct taste? Well, you've found it in Chinese 5 spice pork belly. This dish blends tender pork belly with a sticky sauce infused with star anise and Chinese five spice powder. It's an easy and convenient meal option that can be cooked in just one dish.

To make this dish, you'll need essential ingredients such as pork belly, Chinese five spice powder, and star anise. The preparation steps include cooking the pork belly with ginger, scallion, and garlic to firm up the meat and make it easier to slice. Once the pork belly is cool, it can be cut into thick 1/2" pieces and placed skin side down in a heat-proof dish. The pork belly is then coated with a sauce made of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder, and then baked in the oven until it's tender and sticky.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. It can be served with steamed or fried rice, Asian greens, and your choice of dipping sauce. If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can try adding some prawns or scallops to the sauce. They will add a delicious flavour and texture to the dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese 5 spice pork belly is a delicious and easy meal option that can be cooked in one dish.
• The essential ingredients for this dish include pork belly, Chinese five spice powder, and star anise.
• This dish can be served with steamed or fried rice, Asian greens, and your choice of dipping sauce.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese 5 spice pork belly, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. In this section, we will discuss the key components that make up this delicious dish.

Pork Belly Selection

The first and most important ingredient is, of course, the pork belly. When selecting your pork belly, it's important to choose a piece that is fresh and has a good amount of fat. The fat is what gives the pork belly its signature flavour and texture. Look for a piece that has a good balance of meat and fat, and try to avoid any pieces that are too lean.

Five Spice Blend

The next essential ingredient is the five spice blend. This blend typically includes star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, and cloves. This combination of spices creates a unique and flavourful seasoning that is perfect for pork belly. You can either make your own blend or purchase a pre-made one from your local supermarket.

Marinade Components

The marinade is what really brings the dish together. The key components of the marinade include soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, and fish sauce for added depth of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try incorporating seafood like prawns or scallops into the marinade.

Overall, these essential ingredients are what make Chinese 5 spice pork belly such a delicious and flavourful dish. With the right combination of meat, spices, and marinade, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!

Preparation Steps

When it comes to preparing Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly, there are a few key steps that you need to follow. In this section, we'll take you through the process step by step.

Marinating the Pork Belly

The first step in preparing your pork belly is to marinate it. To do this, you'll need to mix together a marinade that includes sweet chilli sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Chinese five spice, ground coriander, sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Once you've mixed your marinade, you should place your pork belly in a large bowl or sealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure that the pork belly is fully coated in the marinade, then cover it and leave it to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

Scoring and Seasoning

Once your pork belly has finished marinating, it's time to score and season it. To do this, you'll need to remove the pork belly from the marinade and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to score the skin of the pork belly, making sure that you don't cut all the way through to the meat. This will help the skin to crisp up when you cook it.

Next, season the pork belly with Chinese five spice, making sure to rub the seasoning into the scored skin. You can also add a little extra salt and pepper at this stage if you like.

Cooking

Now that your pork belly is prepped and ready to go, it's time to cook it. There are a few different ways that you can cook pork belly, but one popular method is to roast it in the oven.

To do this, preheat your oven to 180°C. Place your pork belly on a foil-lined baking tray, skin side up, and roast it for around 45 minutes to an hour, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your pork belly recipe, you could try serving it with some prawns or scallops on the side. Alternatively, you could add some diced squid to your marinade for an extra flavour boost.

Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking pork belly with Chinese 5 spice, there are two main techniques that you can use: roasting and braising.

Roasting Process

Roasting is a popular method for cooking pork belly, as it allows the meat to develop a crispy crackling on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. To roast pork belly with Chinese 5 spice, you will need to preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7.

Place your pork belly on a roasting tin or baking tray, making sure that the skin is facing upwards. Rub the Chinese 5 spice all over the meat, and then season with salt and pepper. Roast the pork belly in the oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Braising Method

Braising is another popular method for cooking pork belly, as it allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavourful. To braise pork belly with Chinese 5 spice, you will need to place the meat in a baking dish or casserole dish with a braising liquid.

The braising liquid can be made with a combination of stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, and Chinese 5 spice. You can also add vegetables such as onions, garlic, and carrots to the dish for added flavour.

Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven at 160°C/140°C fan/gas mark 3 for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and falling apart.

If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or scallops as a topping for the pork belly. Simply place the seafood on top of the pork belly during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, and then return the dish to the oven until the seafood is cooked through.

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving and presenting your Chinese 5 spice pork belly, there are a few key things to keep in mind. In this section, we'll cover how to rest and cut your pork belly, as well as some accompaniments and sides that pair well with this dish.

Resting and Cutting

Before serving your pork belly, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. To rest your pork belly, simply remove it from the oven or pan and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

When it comes to cutting your pork belly, you have a few options. You can slice it into thin strips for a more elegant presentation, or you can chop it into bite-sized pieces for a more casual feel. Either way, be sure to use a sharp knife and cut against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.

Accompaniments and Sides

Chinese 5 spice pork belly is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments and sides. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect base for your pork belly, steamed jasmine rice is fluffy and fragrant, and pairs well with the sticky sauce.

• Bok Choy: A simple and healthy side dish, bok choy adds a fresh crunch and a pop of green to your plate.

• Spring Onion: Finely sliced spring onion adds a bright, fresh flavour to your pork belly, and looks beautiful as a garnish.

• Dipping Sauce: If you're looking to add even more flavour to your pork belly, consider serving it with a dipping sauce on the side. Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweet chilli sauce all work well.

As a suggestion, you could also consider adding seafood to your pork belly recipe. Shrimp and scallops are both great options, and can be cooked alongside the pork belly for a delicious surf and turf dish.

Nutritional Information

If you are health-conscious, you may be wondering about the nutritional information of Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of this dish:

• Calories: Pork belly is a high-calorie food, with one serving containing around 500-600 calories. This is due to its high fat content, which can make it a less-than-ideal choice for those watching their calorie intake.

• Nutrition Information: Pork belly is also high in protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. However, it is important to note that this dish is also high in sodium, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure.

• Family: Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly can be a great dish to serve to your family. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit with everyone.

If you are looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you could consider using leaner cuts of pork or adding more vegetables to the recipe. You could also consider using seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable. For example, prawns or squid would be a great addition to this dish.

Overall, Chinese Five Spice Pork Belly can be a delicious and satisfying meal to enjoy with your family. Just be mindful of the high calorie and sodium content and make adjustments to the recipe as needed to suit your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you make a simple Chinese five-spice pork belly in a slow cooker?

Making Chinese five-spice pork belly in a slow cooker is an excellent option if you want to save time and effort. Begin by seasoning the pork belly with Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Add some garlic and ginger to the slow cooker, then pour in some chicken broth or water and soy sauce. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the pork belly is tender. If you want crispy skin, broil the pork belly in the oven for a few minutes after it's finished cooking in the slow cooker.

What's the best way to cook pork belly slices with Chinese five-spice?

To cook pork belly slices with Chinese five-spice, you can either bake them in the oven or fry them in a pan. First, season the pork belly with Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the pork belly slices for 30-35 minutes or until crispy. For frying, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the pork belly slices for 3-4 minutes on each side or until crispy.

Can you use an air fryer to prepare five-spice pork belly, and if so, how?

Yes, you can use an air fryer to prepare Chinese five-spice pork belly. First, season the pork belly with Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and place the pork belly slices in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.

Where can you find a top-rated recipe for Chinese five-spice pork belly?

There are many top-rated recipes for Chinese five-spice pork belly available online. You can find them on cooking websites, food blogs, and social media platforms. Look for recipes that have high ratings and positive reviews from other users. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who enjoy cooking.

What are some tips for achieving crispy skin on pork belly using Chinese five-spice?

To achieve crispy skin on pork belly using Chinese five-spice, you can try a few things. First, make sure the pork belly is dry before seasoning it. This will help the skin crisp up better. Second, use a high heat when cooking the pork belly. This will help the skin crisp up faster. Finally, broil the pork belly in the oven for a few minutes after it's finished cooking to get the skin extra crispy.

How does boiling pork belly before frying affect the final dish?

Boiling pork belly before frying can help make it more tender and juicy. However, it can also make it harder to achieve crispy skin. If you want to boil the pork belly before frying, make sure to dry it thoroughly before seasoning and frying it. You can also try broiling it in the oven for a few minutes after frying to get the skin extra crispy. As a suggestion, you can add seafood like shrimp or squid to the recipe for an extra flavour boost.