Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly

Sweet and sour pork belly is a classic Chinese dish that is popular around the world. This dish features succulent pork belly strips that are marinated in a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. The pork is then braised until browned and cooked through, and simmered in a flavorful sauce made with honey, chili flakes, and the marinade. In this blog, we will explore the history of sweet and sour pork belly, the health benefits of this dish, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook it.

The History of Sweet and Sour Pork Belly

The sweet and sour flavor profile has been a part of Chinese cuisine for centuries and was originally used to prepare fish in the southeastern region of China. The use of sweet and sour flavors in cooking can be traced back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) when sugar was first introduced in China.

As for sweet and sour pork belly, it is believed to be a modern adaptation of the traditional fish dish. It is thought that as the dish spread throughout China and other parts of the world, it was adapted to include meat, particularly pork belly, which is a popular cut of meat in Chinese cuisine. The fatty and flavorful pork belly is a perfect match for the sweet and tangy sauce, and the dish has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world.

While the exact origins of sweet and sour pork belly are unclear, it is a testament to the enduring popularity of sweet and sour flavors in Chinese cuisine and the adaptability of traditional dishes to suit modern tastes and ingredients.

Today, sweet and sour pork belly is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is often served as a main course with rice or noodles and is a favorite among meat lovers.

The Health Benefits of Sweet and Sour Pork Belly

While sweet and sour pork belly is a delicious dish, it is important to note that it is high in calories and fat. However, pork belly is a good source of protein and iron, and it contains B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and phosphorus. Additionally, the dish contains garlic and ginger, which are both known for their health benefits. Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.

How to Cook Sweet and Sour Pork Belly

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook sweet and sour pork belly:

1. Marinate the Pork Belly: Begin by slicing the pork belly strips into 2-inch lengths. Put them in a bowl and add soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix all the ingredients and massage gently so that the pork will absorb the marinade. Marinate the pork for at least an hour.
2. Brown the Pork Belly: After the pork has marinated, remove it from the marinade and place it in a colander to drain. Don’t throw away the marinade, reserve it to be used later. Heat cooking oil in a frying pan and braise the pork until it is brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for a few seconds, then add ginger and sauté. Add the pork belly and stir. Add the reserved marinade and water. Then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the Sweet and Spicy Flavors: After 30 minutes, add honey and chili flakes. Stir and simmer until the sauce is reduced to your desired consistency.
5. Serve: Transfer the sweet and sour pork belly to a serving plate and serve hot with cooked rice.

A Delicious and Hearty Dish

Sweet and sour pork belly is a delicious and hearty dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. This classic Chinese dish features succulent pork belly that is marinated and braised in a flavorful sauce made with honey, chili flakes, and the reserved marinade. While it is high in calories and fat, it also contains protein, iron, B vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it contains garlic and ginger, which are known for their health benefits. When cooked together with the pork belly, garlic and ginger not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also add nutritional value.

Print Recipe

How to Cook Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly

Learn how to make the delicious Chinese dish sweet and sour pork belly with this easy recipe. Perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavors!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Course: Pork Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino/Chinese

Keyword: pork belly, sweet and spicy

Servings: 3 servings

Calories: 633kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 1/2 kilo pork belly strips Slice into 2 inch length
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp vinegar
• 3 Tbsp hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 5 cloves garlic. minced
• 1 thumbsize ginger
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 3 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Instructions

How to Cook Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly

• Slice the pork belly strips in 2 inches length. Then put in a bowl and add soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, black pepper and garlic powder.
• Mix all the ingredients and massage gently so the pork will absorb the marinade. Marinate the pork for 1 hour.
• Then remove from the marinade and place in a colander to drain. Don't throw away the marinade, reserve it to be used later.
• Heat cooking oil in frying pan and braise the pork until brown on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, add garlic and saute for a few seconds then add ginger and saute.
• Add pork belly and stir. Add the marinade and water. Then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, add honey and chili flakes. Stir and simmer until the sauce is reduce to your desired consistency.
• Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot with cooked rice.

Notes

The recipe for sweet and sour pork belly is relatively easy to follow and requires basic cooking techniques. Some tips to keep in mind while preparing this dish include marinating the pork for at least an hour to ensure that it absorbs the flavors, using a non-stick pan to braise the pork, and adjusting the amount of chili flakes based on personal preferences. It's also important to reserve the marinade to use later and to simmer the pork in the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency. Overall, this recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine at home.