Description
Chashu Pork melts into tender, rich slices that make ramen bowls sing with authentic Japanese flavor. Slow-braised pork belly becomes a mouthwatering centerpiece when seasoned with soy sauce, sake, and delicate spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
Supporting Liquids:
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sake
- ¼ cup mirin
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 slices ginger
- 2 green onions
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Mix 2 cups water, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup sake, ¼ cup mirin, 3 crushed garlic cloves, 2 ginger slices, 2 chopped green onions, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 star anise in a large pot. Heat until the liquid reaches a rolling boil at 212°F.
- Carefully lower your entire 1 lb pork belly into the bubbling liquid, ensuring it’s completely submerged and covered by the cooking broth.
- Decrease the stovetop temperature to low (around 190°F), cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow your pork to simmer gently for 2.5 hours until the meat becomes exceptionally soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Carefully extract the pork from the braising liquid using tongs, transferring it to a clean cutting board and letting it rest for 10-15 minutes to stabilize its internal temperature.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the pork belly into thin, uniform pieces approximately ¼-inch thick, cutting against the natural meat grain for maximum tenderness.
- Arrange your delicate chashu pork slices alongside steaming ramen or atop a bed of fluffy rice, ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
- Letting the pork cool slightly before slicing helps keep the meat juicy and prevents it from falling apart.
- Saving the braising liquid as a flavor-packed stock adds depth to other dishes like ramen or stir-fries.
- For a leaner version, swap pork belly with pork loin, though the meat will be less tender and rich.
- Wrapping the pork tightly in plastic wrap after cooking and chilling helps create clean, even slices with a more compact texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Pork
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1560 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg