Go Back
Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly Pin It!
Print Recipe

How to Cook Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly

Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly is a tender, flavor-packed dish featuring succulent pork belly simmered in a rich, savory-sweet sauce with a hint of heat for the perfect balance of flavors.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
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

Cooking Tips:

Let the Pork Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor

Although marinating the pork belly for at least an hour is enough, having it sit overnight infuses a lot more flavor into the meat. The soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic will work perfectly to break down the connective tissues on the pork belly, so you are assured that every piece of meat is full of flavor. In case you can find time, marinate it in the fridge overnight for a truly rich and flavorful dish.

Sear the Pork for a Golden Brown Crust

This helps in browning the pork belly, which in turn, brings out its richness. It is essential that it be well browned on both sides before you let it braise further. Thus, caramelization involves locking the meat juices inside, while imparting to it a crunchy texture that is delicious with the soft meat.

Low Simmer and Slow are For Tender Meat.

Allow the pork pieces to stew in the marinade and water mix for at least 30 minutes. This will make the pork tender. Cooking on this slow activity allows the flavors to penetrate really deep into the meat, giving it a juicy, melt-in-mouth texture. Do not rush into cooking as that is what makes the dish special.