Chashu Pork

Name: Chashu Pork
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 800 g pork belly; 80 ml soy sauce; 80 ml sake; 40 g sugar; 4 slices ginger; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 meat

Chashu Pork is a beloved staple in ramen kitchens across Japan, where its preparation is an art form. This home version stays true to the family table, capturing the essence of how Japanese cooks bring it to life. The balance of salt is determined by skilled hands, while the richness of pork belly is embraced, making it a dish meant for sharing.

The result is a succulent and flavorful pork, where soy sauce and sake meld with ginger's subtle warmth and sugar's sweetness. Each bite offers a tender, melt-in-the-mouth experience, enhanced by a touch of fine sea salt, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that celebrates simplicity and depth.

Ingredients

800 gpork belly
80 mlsoy sauce
80 mlsake
40 gsugar
4 slicesginger
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by seasoning the 800 g pork belly with fine sea salt to taste. Rub the salt evenly over the surface of the meat, ensuring all sides are well coated. This step enhances the flavor of the pork and helps to tenderize it as it cooks.
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork belly in the pan. Brown each side until it develops a deep, golden color, which should take a few minutes per side. This browning process adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
In the same pan, add 80 ml of soy sauce, 80 ml of sake, 40 g of sugar, and 4 slices of ginger. Stir gently to combine and dissolve the sugar. The liquid should come to a gentle simmer, which will infuse the pork with rich, savory flavors.
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the pork to braise slowly, turning occasionally, until it becomes tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. The pork is ready when it feels soft to the touch and a fork can easily pierce through it.
Once the pork is tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional fine sea salt if necessary. The sauce should be balanced, with a savory-sweet profile that complements the richness of the pork.
Slice the Chashu Pork into thin pieces and serve it with steamed rice, fresh bread, or a simple salad. The pork should be succulent and flavorful, with a glossy sheen from the sauce. Enjoy this dish as part of a shared meal, embracing the communal spirit of Japanese home cooking.