There’s something irresistibly comforting about the fragrant waves of Sticky Chinese Pork Belly wafting through your kitchen. As I stirred the simmering pot, I couldn’t help but feel like a culinary magician, bringing together a few simple ingredients to create an extraordinary dish. The tender pork belly, kissed by a luscious glaze of honey and soy sauce, transforms into a mouthwatering centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds—maybe even thirds!

Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive celebrations, this hearty recipe captures the essence of comfort food while effortlessly catering to your cravings. And let’s not forget the delightful bonus: it allows plenty of room for customization, so whether you prefer a sweet and fruity twist or a spicy kick, you can cater to every guest’s taste. So, grab your apron and let’s embark on a delicious journey that promises to bring the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine right into your home!

Why will you love Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

Heartwarming Comfort: This dish delivers a cozy, satisfying experience that warms the soul.
Simple Preparation: A straightforward cooking process makes it accessible for anyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the dish to new heights.
Versatile Customization: Make it your own! Experiment with different flavors, such as adding fresh herbs or extra heat, to suit your palate.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it to guests and watch their eyes light up—it looks as delicious as it tastes!
For pairing ideas, consider our tasty options like steamed jasmine rice and crispy Asian slaw to complete your meal.

Ingredients for Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

For the Pork
• Pork Belly Slices – Opt for rindless cuts for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Hot Chicken Stock – Ensures moisture and adds a depth of flavor during cooking.

For the Marinade
• Ginger – Freshly minced; infuses the dish with a delightful aromatic kick.
• Garlic – Roughly chopped; enhances the overall fragrance of the dish.
• Rice Wine – Deepens the savory flavor profile, making it irresistible.
• Caster Sugar – Fine sugar that quickly dissolves, creating a glossy and sticky glaze.
• Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying; has a neutral taste and a high smoke point.
• Salt and Pepper – Classic seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
• Red Chilli – Finely chopped; adds just the right amount of heat and vibrancy.
• Honey – Use this natural sweetener for the quintessential sticky glaze.
• Brown Sugar – Introduces a hint of molasses flavor and intensifies sweetness.
• Dark Soy Sauce – Provides rich color and deep umami flavor, crucial to this dish.
• Lemongrass Paste – A unique twist that brightens up the flavors beautifully.

For Garnishing
• Chopped Spring Onions – Freshly chopped; adds color and a crunchy texture to the final dish.
• Chopped Red Chillies – Optional for a spicy finish and an extra pop of color.

Whether you’re savoring this Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly for a cozy family dinner or an impressive festive gathering, it’s a dish that’s sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table!

How to Make Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-based pan, mix the pork belly slices, hot chicken stock, minced ginger, chopped garlic, rice wine, and caster sugar. Stir until everything is well combined.
Simmer Gently: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover tightly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and succulent.
Prepare Pork: Carefully remove the cooked pork belly from the pan and pat it dry with kitchen towels. Cut the pork into uniform bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
Whisk Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, minced ginger, chopped red chilli, honey, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and lemongrass paste until well blended.
Heat Pan: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, ready for that delicious sizzle.
Sauté Pork: Add the chopped pork belly to the pan, frying until golden brown for about 5–7 minutes. Remember to sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking!
Add Glaze: Pour the prepared marinade over the seared pork, allowing it to cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until the pork is beautifully coated and sticky.
Serve Warm: Dish out the sticky pork belly warm, garnishing with freshly chopped spring onions and red chillies for a pop of color and flavor.

Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra crunch and delightful garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the pork belly by simmering it in the stock and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance. Once cooked, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. To maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture, make sure to pat it dry before sautéing. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pork in a frying pan, adding your glaze for an additional 3–5 minutes until beautifully sticky. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, impressive dish with minimal effort!

Storage Tips for Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sticky pork belly in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.

• Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to keep it moist and flavorful.

• Thawing: Thaw frozen pork belly overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results, ensuring that this comforting dish remains a delight even after storage.

Variations & Substitutions for Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Add your own twist to this delightful dish and make it truly yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute dark soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free twist without sacrificing flavor.
Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by increasing red chiles or incorporating crushed red pepper flakes for an igniting flavor explosion. A little heat goes a long way!
Sweet and Fruity: Toss in chunks of fresh pineapple or orange slices during the glaze step for a luscious, sweet twist that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like coriander or basil while cooking to infuse aromatic freshness, giving the dish a delicious garden touch. The vibrant herbs elevate the experience!
Vegetarian Option: Swap the pork the jackfruit or marinated tofu, cooking just as you would with the pork, providing a plant-based version that’s equally scrumptious.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke into the marinade for an unexpected depth of flavor that surprises the palate.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish to add a lovely crunch and a hint of nuttiness—perfect for those who love texture!
Citrus Tang: Drizzle a little rice vinegar or lime juice before serving to introduce a bright, tangy contrast that elevates the sweet and savory glaze.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of this irresistible dish!

What to Serve with Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?

As you whisk up this delightful dish, envision the perfect spread that complements the rich flavors of the sticky pork belly.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, fragrant rice soaks up the luscious glaze, providing a comforting base that balances the dish’s richness.
Crispy Asian Slaw: Crunchy vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the meal’s texture and flavor.
Szechuan Noodles: These spicy, chewy noodles bring a kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of the pork belly. The flavors meld together, making each bite an explosion of taste.
Dumplings: Soft or crispy, dumplings filled with savory ingredients are perfect for scooping up the delicious glaze left on your plate. They create a delightful harmony with the pork belly.
Garlic Broccoli: Tender broccoli sautéed in garlic provides a nutrient-rich and slightly bitter contrast to the dish’s sweetness, enhancing the overall experience.
Coconut Milk Drink: A refreshing coconut milk beverage offers a creamy, sweet component that pairs well with the savory spices while cooling your palate.
Chilled Green Tea: A refreshing drink to cleanse your palate, green tea complements the richness of the pork by adding a subtle earthiness that rounds out the meal.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet and creamy dish is a nod to Asian flavors, providing a satisfying finish that echoes the sticky goodness of your main course.

Expert Tips for Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Choose Quality Pork: Select rindless pork belly for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, avoiding tough or fatty cuts that can ruin the dish.
Pat Dry for Crispness: Always pat the cooked pork dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden crust and avoid excess moisture that can steam the meat.
Monitor Cooking Time: Be patient during the simmering process; if the pork isn’t tender after 2 hours, give it extra time for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Customize Spiciness: Adjust the red chilli quantity based on your heat preference—start small and add more for an exciting spicy kick in your sticky Chinese pork belly.
Enhance Glaze Flavor: Experiment with additional ingredients like sesame oil or spices to deepen the flavor profile of the sticky glaze for a unique taste.

Irresistible Sticky Chinese Pork Belly Recipe FAQs

What type of pork belly should I use?
Absolutely! Opt for rindless pork belly slices for the best results. The rind can become tough and chewy during cooking, while the rindless variety ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that compliments the rich glaze wonderfully.

How should I store leftover Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
For optimal freshness, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn!

Can I freeze Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first let the pork belly cool completely. Then, slice it and place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag, ensuring to remove all excess air. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.

What can I do if my pork isn’t tender after cooking?
Very! If the pork belly isn’t tender after 2 hours of simmering, don’t worry. Simply cover it back up and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes to an hour until it’s fork-tender. Just be carefully attentive to ensure it doesn’t dry out; adding a splash of chicken stock can help!

Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this dish, replace dark soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This substitution retains the rich flavor while keeping it safe for those with gluten sensitivities!

How should I adjust the spice levels for my Sticky Chinese Pork Belly?
The more the merrier! You can adjust the spice levels by increasing the amount of finely chopped red chilli or even adding crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some fresh chili rings as a garnish for both spice and vibrant flair!