I’ve never tasted anything as addictive as sticky five-spice pork belly with ginger and plums—it’s seriously magical. The rich, fatty pork gets a boost from warm spices, while fresh ginger adds a zing that cuts through the richness. Then there’s the surprise of sweet, juicy plums that caramelize into a sticky glaze. Want to know how to make this dish that’s both comforting and exciting? Let’s just say, your kitchen’s about to smell incredible.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Sticky Five-Spice Pork Belly recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to make yet delivers a restaurant-quality dish.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly infused with rich spices.
- A sticky, glossy glaze that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness and depth.
- Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Recipe
Sticky Five-Spice Pork Belly is a flavorful and succulent dish that combines the rich taste of pork belly with the aromatic depth of Chinese five-spice powder. The result is a sticky, caramelized glaze that enhances the natural juiciness of the meat.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork belly, skin removed and cut into thick slices
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, and garlic to create the marinade.
- Add the pork belly slices to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork belly slices and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining marinade to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, turning the pork belly occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Remove the pork belly from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle with rice vinegar and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes:
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the pork belly for a couple of minutes after cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the amount of honey and soy sauce.
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Serving:
Serves 4
Calories:
Approximately 450 calories per serving
Cuisine:
Chinese
Equipment
To prepare Sticky Five-Spice Pork Belly, having the right equipment guarantees ease and efficiency in cooking. Gather these essential tools for the best results:
- Heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Ovenproof dish or baking tray
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Nutrition
Sticky Five-Spice Pork Belly is a flavorful dish rich in protein and fats, offering a balance of savory and sweet notes. Here are the key nutritional aspects:
- High in protein from pork belly
- Contains healthy fats for energy
- Rich in iron and zinc
- Includes spices with potential anti-inflammatory benefits
- Moderate in calories due to its richness
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing sticky five-spice pork belly with steamed jasmine rice because it soaks up all the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables add a nice crunchy contrast, and I can’t resist throwing in some pickled cucumber slices for a tangy bite. Warm bao buns or a crispy noodle salad would also make this dish feel like a complete feast!
Steamed Jasmine Rice
When I’m serving sticky five-spice pork belly, I always make sure there’s a big bowl of steamed jasmine rice on the table—it’s the perfect match for all those rich, bold flavors. The light, fragrant steamed rice balances the dish, letting the pork shine while soaking up every bit of sauce. To me, this flavor pairing feels liberating, like I’ve nailed the art of contrast without overthinking it.
Roasted Vegetables
A side of roasted vegetables brings color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness to balance the rich pork belly. I love tossing seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers in olive oil, then roasting them with a sprinkle of salt and herbs. Simple roasting techniques—high heat, even spacing—let their natural flavors shine. They’re a vibrant, hands-off addition that makes the meal feel complete.
Crispy Noodle Salad
While the sticky five-spice pork belly is rich and flavorful, a crispy noodle salad adds a revitalizing contrast that’s hard to resist. I love mixing crunchy chow mein noodles with softer rice noodles for exciting noodle textures. A tangy-sweet dressing combination—like soy sauce, lime, and honey—ties it all together. It’s light, invigorating, and gives you the freedom to play with flavors. Perfect for balancing that indulgent pork belly.
Pickled Cucumber Slices
If you’re looking for something invigorating to cut through the richness of sticky five-spice pork belly, pickled cucumber slices are your best bet. I love experimenting with pickling techniques, like using rice vinegar or apple cider, to create tangy, crisp bites. Try different cucumber variations, such as English or Persian, for unique textures. They’re quick to make, revitalizing, and add a zesty contrast that’ll make your meal unforgettable.
Warm Bao Buns
Pickled cucumber slices bring a tangy punch to the sticky five-spice pork belly, but there’s another side that takes this dish to the next level: warm bao buns. With their soft, pillowy texture and bao bun origins in Chinese cuisine, they’re perfect for wrapping around rich pork belly. I love experimenting with bao bun fillings, but this combo feels like freedom on a plate—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork Belly?
I can use chicken instead of pork belly, but I’ll need to adjust for chicken alternatives. Cooking times will be shorter since chicken cooks faster, so I’ll keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
I store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh, then pop them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I use the stove or microwave to lock in flavor and moisture.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
I can freeze it for up to three months. Freezing tips: wrap it tightly so it keeps its flavor. For reheating techniques, I’d thaw it overnight and warm it gently to keep it delicious and satisfying.
What Can I Substitute for Five-Spice Powder?
If I’m out of five-spice powder, I’ll use alternative spice blends like cinnamon, clove, and star anise mixed with fennel and Sichuan pepper. Making homemade five spice lets me adjust flavors to my taste.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
I’ll check if it’s gluten-free based on the ingredients. If needed, I’d explore gluten-free alternatives to adapt it for my dietary considerations, ensuring I can enjoy it without compromising my desire for culinary freedom.
