This Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice recipe is a delightful mix of flavors! The tender pork belly pairs perfectly with sticky rice, creating a comforting and tasty dish.
Trust me, the combination of crispy pork and soft, chewy rice is hard to resist. I love serving it with a drizzle of soy sauce—so good! Just be ready for some happiness in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Belly: This is the star of the dish! For a leaner option, you could use pork shoulder or even chicken thighs, but the texture and richness of pork belly are hard to beat.
Glutinous Rice: Essential for that sticky texture. If you don’t have glutinous rice, you can substitute with jasmine rice, though the outcome will be less sticky.
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce add depth. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce and omit the fish sauce without losing too much flavor.
Brown Sugar: It balances the savory flavors. For a healthy swap, consider using honey or maple syrup in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Pork Belly Crispy?
Crispy pork belly elevates the dish! Here are a few tips:
- Ensure your pork belly is in even-sized cubes to cook uniformly.
- Start cooking over medium heat to render the fat, which helps it crisp up. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Brown the pork for about 8-10 minutes; let it rest without stirring too much initially to achieve a good sear.
Why Soak the Rice?
Soaking glutinous rice helps it absorb water, leading to perfect, fluffy, sticky rice. Aim for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can. Drain it thoroughly afterward to avoid excess moisture.
Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound pork belly, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 cups water or pork broth
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours in total, including 2 hours for soaking the rice. The actual cooking time is about 30 minutes. It’s a quick meal to prepare, especially considering the soaking time is hands-off!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Rice:
First, rinse the glutinous rice in cold water several times until the water is clear. This helps remove excess starch for better texture. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours or overnight, then drain it when you’re ready to cook.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until you can smell the wonderful aroma.
3. Cook the Pork Belly:
Next, add the pork belly pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and crispy on the edges. This brings out all the delicious flavors!
4. Add Sauces and Seasoning:
Now, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix everything well so that the pork belly is nicely coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
5. Add Rice and Liquid:
With everything well combined, add the drained sticky rice to the pan. Stir to make sure the rice is mixed in with the pork and sauce evenly. Then pour in the water or pork broth. Bring it to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the rice becomes tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Let It Rest:
Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking gently.
8. Fluff and Serve:
Using a fork, fluff the rice to separate the grains. Then, transfer the pork belly sticky rice to serving plates.
9. Garnish:
Top the dish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy the deliciously savory and slightly sweet flavors of your easy pork belly sticky rice!
Dig in and relish every bite of this comforting dish!
FAQ for Easy Pork Belly Sticky Rice
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork?
Yes! While pork belly gives the dish its signature richness, you can use pork shoulder or even chicken thighs as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the different cuts.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure that the oyster sauce you use is also gluten-free or look for a suitable alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to moisten the rice.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the pork and rice mixture in advance, then reheat it gently before serving. Just be sure to store any cooked ingredients separately for best results if you’re making it a day ahead.
