Easy Fail Proof Stove Top Pork Belly Recipe

Stove top pork belly is one of the most comforting and flavorful dishes you can make at home. Unlike quick pan-fried versions, this recipe uses a slow braising method right on the stove. The pork belly simmers gently in a savory mix of soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and ginger until it turns tender and deeply infused with flavor. With minimal hands-on time, the result is melt-in-your-mouth pork belly coated in a glossy, rich sauce. If you’re in a hurry, check out my viral instant pot pork belly recipe which is more hands off recipe.

Nutrition and Key Ingredients

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Pork belly is indulgent, but when paired with the right ingredients, it creates a balanced, nutrient-rich meal:

• Pork belly: rich in protein, collagen, and flavorful fats
• Shaoxing wine: adds depth and traditional Chinese flavor
• Dark soy sauce: gives rich color and umami
• Light soy sauce: balances with a lighter salty note
• Brown sugar: caramelizes to create a glossy glaze
• Garlic and ginger: support digestion and add warmth

✨Why You Should Make This

This stove top pork belly is simple but tastes restaurant-worthy. The slow braising process develops deep flavor while keeping the pork belly tender and juicy. Serve it over steamed rice, tuck it into bao buns, or pair it with sautéed greens for a complete meal. With just one pan and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a comforting, aromatic dish that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend dinners.

Easy Fail Proof Stove Top Pork Belly Recipe

This stove top pork belly simmers low and slow in a flavorful braising sauce made with Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, garlic, and ginger. The result is tender, glossy pork belly that’s rich, savory, and perfect over rice.

Author: Rice Zhang

Print Recipe

Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 lb pork belly
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 3 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 cup Shaoxing wine
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic smashed
• 1 in ginger sliced
• 1 cup water (As needed)

Instructions

1. Cut pork belly into large chunks. Heat a heavy skillet or pot over medium heat and place pork belly pieces skin side down to render fat for 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar.
   
3. Stir to coat the pork belly evenly. Add water and bring to a gentle simmer (low heat). Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 25 minutes.
4. Flip pork belly over. Add more wine/ water to full submerge the pork belly (this will vary depending on the thickness of your pork belly cut). Simmer on low heat for another 25 min to 1 hour until fork tender. Thicker pork belly cuts will take close to an hour.
   
5. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork. The line between caramelized and burnt is thin. Make sure to keep the fire on low.
   
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Note

Cooking Time Tip

The exact cooking time for stove top pork belly depends on the thickness of the cut. Thinner slices (about ½ inch thick) will become tender in around 35–40 minutes of covered simmering. Thicker chunks (about 1–1 ½ inches) may take up to 1 hour or longer to reach melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To check doneness, pierce the pork belly with a fork or chopstick. If it slides in easily and the meat feels tender while holding its shape, it’s ready. If it still feels tough, continue simmering in 10-minute increments, keeping the pot covered and adding a splash of water if the sauce reduces too much.

This flexibility ensures you can adapt the recipe to whatever cut you find at the store—whether you’re using thin slices for a quick dinner or thick cubes for a heartier braise.

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