Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce

Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce is a beloved homemade dish in Malaysia and Singapore, known for its tender pork belly simmered in a rich, aromatic soy sauce blend. This comforting dish is elevated by the addition of boiled eggs that soak up all the savory flavors—making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce Recipe

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

For the pork belly:
1 pound pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 slices ginger

For the marinade:
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Pinch of salt

For the sauce:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis)
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Pinch of salt

Other ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cinnamon stick
3 pieces star anise
3 cloves
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled and smashed
1 tablespoon yellow rock sugar
4 cups water
6 boiled eggs

Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce Instructions

1. Blanch the pork belly

• Boil a pot of water over high heat. Add pork belly and ginger slices and cook for 5 minutes to remove blood and gamey taste. Drain and discard the ginger.

2. Marinate the pork belly

• Combine marinade ingredients. Toss pork belly cubes in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.

3. Prepare the sauce

• Mix together soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, five-spice powder, white pepper, and salt. Set aside.

4. Cook the pork belly

• Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and garlic. Stir until fragrant.
• Add pork belly and cook on low heat until lightly browned.
• Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine.
• Add rock sugar and stir continuously until melted.
• Pour in 4 cups of water, bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour.

5. Add boiled eggs

• If needed, add another 2 cups of water to keep pork belly submerged.
• Add boiled eggs and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
• Optional: transfer everything to a clay pot to keep warm longer.

6. Serve

• Enjoy the tender, flavorful pork belly and rich sauce, along with the infused boiled eggs.

Tips & notes

• Blanching the pork belly removes impurities and improves flavor.
• Rock sugar gives the dish a subtle sweetness and beautiful glaze.
• Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) adds a rich caramelized flavor that balances saltiness.
• Simmer gently to allow flavors to fully develop and pork to become tender.
• Boiled eggs absorb sauce and make a perfect side or snack alongside the pork belly.