Pork Belly Buns are a delicious and indulgent treat featuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly tucked inside a soft, steamed bun. This popular Asian-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures—savory pork belly glazed with a sweet and salty sauce, crisp vegetables like cucumbers and scallions for crunch, and a touch of hoisin sauce for a rich, umami finish. Whether served as a fun appetizer or a main dish, these pork belly buns are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of flavors.
Ingredients
For the pork belly:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water
For the buns:
- 12 steamed bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (for spreading)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pork belly: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the pork belly slices and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork belly from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Return the pork belly to the skillet, cover, and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Steam the buns: While the pork belly is cooking, steam the bao buns according to package instructions, or make homemade steamed buns if desired.
- Assemble the buns: Once the pork belly is ready, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Spread a little hoisin sauce inside each steamed bun, then add a slice of pork belly. Top with cucumber slices, chopped scallions, and cilantro if using.
- Serve: Serve the pork belly buns warm and enjoy!
These Pork Belly Buns are the perfect combination of tender, flavorful pork belly and fresh toppings, all wrapped in soft steamed buns—an irresistible dish that’s sure to be a hit!
