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Sake-Braised Pork Belly Bao Buns

Sake-Braised Pork Belly Bao Buns: A Flavorful Delight!

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Sake-Braised Pork Belly Bao Buns are a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender pork belly infused with sake, served in soft steamed buns.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork belly, skin scored
  • 1 cup sake
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 12 steamed buns (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup pickled cucumbers, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully place the pork belly in the pot, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden crust forms.
  3. Turn the pork belly over and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine sake, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil, whisking until well blended.
  5. Pour the mixture over the seared pork belly in the pot.
  6. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
  7. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking occasionally and stirring to prevent sticking, until the pork is fork-tender.
  8. After cooking, remove the pork belly and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Strain the braising liquid and return it to the pot, simmering until it reduces and thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
  10. Cut the pork belly into small pieces.
  11. Assemble the sliders by placing pork belly inside the steamed buns and topping with pickled cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions.
  12. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the pork belly is well scored for better flavor absorption.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced chili peppers to the toppings.
  • Author: Chef Adam
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg