Fivespice Glazed Pork Belly Bites
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a flavor adventure tonight? My Chinese five spice glazed pork belly bites are where it's at. Honestly, this recipe is a game changer with its sweet, savory, and utterly addictive flavour.
Brief Overview
This dish is inspired by classic Cantonese pork recipes . It's medium difficulty. You'll need around 3.5 to 4 hours total. It yields 6 to 8 appetizer servings.
Main Benefits
Pork belly is rich in collagen. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party. What makes it truly special is the amazing five spice sauce that balances the rich pork with complex aromatic notes.
What's the Deal with Five Spice?
Ever wonder about that exotic aroma in some Asian dishes? Chances are, it's five spice seasoning . Think cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns.
This homemade 5 spice mix is your shortcut to authentic Asian flavors. It adds depth and warmth, totally elevating the flavour profile of the pork belly glaze recipe .
Honestly, you can even make a chinese five spice substitute using other spices from your pantry if you don't have everything!
Digging into the Recipe Deets
We are talking about tender Cantonese pork recipe . First, we'll slow cook the pork belly in an aromatic braising liquid. Then, we'll glaze it with a sweet and savory 5 spices recipe .
The Five Spice Mix is essential here for that unique flavor profile. Don't skimp on it! And a little tip from me, Always use the fresh Star anise recipes in order to get a unique flavour.
Ingredient Line-Up
Get your hands on these goodies. You'll need pork belly, rice wine, salt, white pepper, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, star anise , cinnamon stick, brown sugar, and of course, that amazing chinese five spice .
This Asian marinade for pork will have your kitchen smelling divine.
Let's Get Cooking!
This Five Spice Seasoning is key! We're going to gently braise the pork belly until it's fall apart tender. After that, it gets a quick broil with a sticky, sweet glaze.
Get ready to take your tastebuds on a wild ride!. It's a simple step, but it makes a world of difference.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's gather everything we need for these amazing Five Spice Glazed Pork Belly Bites . Honestly, getting your ducks in a row before you start is half the battle.
Trust me, I've been there, scrambling for ingredients halfway through a recipe. Not fun!
Main Ingredients
We're diving into the nitty gritty! I've broken it down so it's dead easy to follow.
For the Pork Belly:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork belly, skin-on, cut into 2 inch cubes. Look for a good marbling of fat that's where the flavour is!
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry as a substitute).
- 1 tsp (5g) salt.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) ground white pepper.
For the Braising Liquid:
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is your friend here.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce. Again, go for low sodium.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dark soy sauce. This is what gives it that gorgeous colour!
- 2 tbsp (30ml) honey.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) rice vinegar.
- 2 inch (5cm) piece of ginger, sliced. Fresh is best!
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed. Don't be shy.
- 2 star anise . Essential for that authentique Cantonese pork recipe flavour!
- 1 cinnamon stick .
- 1 tsp (2g) chinese five spice powder. This is the star of the show!
- 1/4 cup (60ml) packed brown sugar.
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp (30ml) of braising liquid (reserved, skimmed).
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey.
- 1 tsp (2g) chinese five spice powder. A little extra kick!
Seasoning Notes
The Chinese five spice really brings the magic. It is the heart of this 5 spices recipe . If you cannot find it, you will need to create a five spice mix .
It's the base of our 5 spice sauce . It's a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
You can even make your own homemade 5 spice ! If you need a chinese five spice substitute , try a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and a tiny pinch of cloves.
Star anise is key here, so check out these star anise recipes to stock up!
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this, just your trusty kitchen essentials.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with lid.
- Small saucepan.
- Tongs.
- Baking sheet.
- Wire rack (optional, for cooling).
That’s it! Now you’re ready to become a kitchen ninja!. Oh my gosh, I am so excited! I can not wait to bite into those amazing pork belly glaze recipe .
They are delicious, and easy to prepare. I have already been told to do another asian marinade for pork based recipes.
Cooking Method: Unleash the Magic of Chinese Five Spice !
Right, so let's get down to it. We're diving into making some banging Five Spice Glazed Pork Belly Bites. Honestly, I've messed this up before.
I once served my family pork that tasted like potpourri too much Star Anise recipes, you know? But I've cracked the code.
This recipe will give you that delicious Cantonese pork recipe flavor at home!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place is your new best mate. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This saves so much time.
I learned that the hard way. The essential Homemade 5 Spice blend adds a lovely depth. For time saving, pre-score your pork belly the day before.
step-by-step Process: From Zero to Hero
- Score the pork skin. Marinate for 30 minutes with rice wine, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the pork belly on all sides in a Dutch oven. Get that lovely brown crust!
- Make the braising liquid. Combine broth, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, star anise , cinnamon, brown sugar, and a good teaspoon of Chinese five spice .
- Braise the pork for 3-3. 5 hours on low heat. Flip the pork halfway. Trust me, patience is key.
- Make the glaze. Use 2 tbsp of reserved braising liquid, honey, and a touch more Chinese five spice . Simmer until thickened for that 5 Spice Sauce .
- Brush the pork with glaze. Broil for 2- 3 minutes . Keep a very close eye burns happen fast.
- Cool slightly and serve.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pork Game
Want to be a pork belly pro? First, don't overcrowd the Dutch oven when searing. This is how I use my Asian marinade for pork .
It stops browning. Also, remember, Low and slow braising = tender pork. Finally, for a killer Pork belly glaze recipe , a drop of sesame oil in the glaze is a game changer.
If you can't find Chinese five spice , try a chinese five spice substitute of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns, ground together.
Alright, so you've braved the braising and the broiling. You are so ready to devour that Five Spice Glazed Pork Belly ! But before you dig in like a ravenous bear, let's chat about making the most of this Cantonese pork recipe .
Recipe Notes: Little Things to Consider
These are a few extra tips and tricks that are helpful to consider when making the recipe for Five Spice Glazed Pork Belly.
These notes will provide serving suggestions, storage tips, variations of the recipe and basic nutrition to help you along the way.
Serving Suggestions for a Real Feast
Honestly, presentation matters. Plating is key! For something as rich as this Pork belly glaze recipe , keep it balanced.
Thinly sliced, nestled on a bed of fluffy steamed rice is perfection. Garnish with sesame seeds. Don't forget some finely chopped scallions.
For something tangy, quick pickled cucumbers do the trick to counter the richness. A crisp, dry Riesling is fantastic. Also, a cold Asian marinade for pork could work!
Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your Five Spice Sauce glazed pork within two hours. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Just make sure to cool it completely first. When reheating, low and slow is best.
An oven is ideal. You can also use a microwave, but the texture might be a little different. This is one of those star anise recipes that taste better the next day!
Variations: Your Kitchen, Your Rules
Want to shake things up? For a lighter spin, swap out some of the honey in the glaze with unsweetened applesauce.
It will add some natural sweetness. Looking for a Chinese five spice substitute ? A combination of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns can do the trick.
It's not exactly the same, but it will get you in the ballpark. If you want a 5 Spices Recipe with less salt, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Nutrition Basics: The Goodness Inside
Okay, let's be real: this isn't a health food, but it's a soul food. Each serving has a good amount of protein.
It also delivers a ton of flavour from the Homemade 5 Spice . Pork belly is higher in fat and calories, so it is perfect as a delicious snack or meal option.
So, enjoy responsibly!
There you have it! My little notes on getting the best out of this Five Spice Mix . You've totally got this! You can impress your family or guests with your new Cantonese pork recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Chinese five spice, and what does it taste like?
Chinese five spice is a fragrant blend of spices, typically including star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns (or regular black peppercorns), and fennel seeds. It offers a complex flavour profile that is sweet, savory, slightly bitter, and warming almost like Christmas in a jar but with a bit of an Asian twist!
Think of it as a culinary Swiss Army knife incredibly versatile.
Can I make my own Chinese five spice powder at home, and what's the best way to store it?
Absolutely! Making your own allows you to control the flavour intensity. Toast whole spices lightly, grind them finely, and mix them together. Store your homemade or store-bought Chinese five spice in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its aroma.
It’s like keeping your tea leaves fresh good storage means maximum flavour impact.
I don't have all the spices for chinese five spice. What can I substitute?
While it’s difficult to perfectly replicate the flavour, you can try a combination of cinnamon, ground ginger, and a pinch of anise seed if you’re missing some ingredients. This will give you a similar warm and aromatic base.
Experimenting is key, like trying to make a Victoria Sponge without baking powder it might not be exactly the same, but it can still be delicious!
What other dishes can I use this Chinese five spice glazed pork belly in? Can it be made in a slow cooker?
Besides enjoying it on its own, these five spice glazed pork belly bites would be fantastic in bao buns, served over rice bowls, or even as a flavourful addition to ramen. You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker.
Sear the pork as directed, then place all the braising ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is very tender, similar to how you might slow cook a Sunday roast for a 'fall off the bone' texture!
How can I make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor?
You can use leaner cuts of pork (although pork belly is traditional). You can also reduce the amount of honey in the glaze, or substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to reduce the sodium content. Remember, good food doesn't have to be boring, it's about finding that balance.
Just like swapping out butter for avocado in a cake you can still have your cake and eat it!
Fivespice Glazed Pork Belly Bites
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
