Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Authentic Pork Belly Buns, a beloved dish that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of China! Imagine tender, juicy pork belly encased in a soft, pillowy bun, topped with fresh cucumber and fragrant cilantro—it's a flavor explosion you won't want to miss. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that not only looks stunning but tastes divine!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 buns
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 star anise
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 6 bao buns
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pork belly by patting it dry with paper towels and scoring the skin in a crosshatch pattern to help render fat and create crispy texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and star anise to create a marinade. Submerge pork belly completely in the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove pork belly from marinade and place in a deep roasting pan, skin side up. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Slow roast the pork belly for approximately 2 hours, or until meat becomes extremely tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
- Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the final 15-20 minutes to crisp up the skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove pork from oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Slice into thin, even pieces against the grain.
- Steam bao buns according to package instructions until soft and pillowy.
- Assemble buns by placing sliced pork belly inside each bun, topping with fresh cucumber slices and cilantro leaves.
- Serve immediately while buns are warm and pork is still crisp.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, marinate the pork belly overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste.
- Crispy Skin is Key: Scoring the skin of the pork belly is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture. Be sure to cut through the skin but not into the meat.
- Monitor the Roasting Process: While slow roasting, keep an eye on the pork belly. The goal is to render the fat and achieve tenderness, so adjust the cooking time if needed based on your oven's performance.
- Steam Buns Just Right: For the perfect bao buns, steam them until they're fluffy and warm. Avoid overcooking to maintain their pillowy texture.
- Serve Immediately: These buns are best enjoyed fresh! Assemble them right before serving to keep the pork crispy and the buns soft.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 17mg
