Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beer Braised Pork Belly: Easy Chinese Recipe

Updated at: 12/06/2025

Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will redefine your expectations of comfort food. This melt-in-your-mouth beer braised pork belly recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking and simple, yet powerfully flavorful ingredients. Forget tough, chewy pork; this dish delivers unbelievably tender, succulent meat, infused with the rich, malty depth of beer and the aromatic warmth of classic Chinese spices. The result is a truly unforgettable experience, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks.

Imagine tender pork belly, falling apart at the slightest touch, swimming in a luscious, deeply flavorful braising liquid. This isn't just a meal; it's a journey for your taste buds. Ready to embark on this delicious adventure and create this incredible dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to making your own melt-in-your-mouth beer braised pork belly.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Steamer (or large pot)
  • Pan

Ingredients

  • Pork Belly (three-layer pork): 1 kg
  • Sugar
  • Red Sand (likely refers to rock sugar)
  • Star Anise
  • Cinnamon
  • Dried Chilies
  • Dark Soy Sauce
  • Sweet Soy Sauce
  • Oyster Sauce
  • Water
  • Canned Beer
  • Salt
  • Bay leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly

  • Boil water in a pot. Add pork belly, a bit of salt, and boil for 30 minutes until the pork puffs up and thickens.
  • Remove pork from the pot. Brush dark soy sauce all over the pork skin to add color.
  • Pan-fry the pork belly (skin side down) until the skin tightens and changes color. No need to add oil.
  • Let the pork belly cool, then slice it into thin pieces (2-3mm thick).
Boil water in a pot. Add pork belly, a bit of salt, and boil for 30 minutes until the pork puffs up and thickens.Remove pork from the pot. Brush dark soy sauce all over the pork skin to add color.Pan-fry the pork belly (skin side down) until the skin tightens and changes color. No need to add oil.Let the pork belly cool, then slice it into thin pieces (2-3mm thick).
Prepare the Pork Belly

Step 2. Create the Braising Liquid

  • Arrange the sliced pork belly in a heat-resistant container.
  • Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, dried chilies, and enough beer to almost cover the pork. Add water as needed.
  • Add sweet dark soy sauce.
Arrange the sliced pork belly in a heat-resistant container.Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, dried chilies, and enough beer to almost cover the pork. Add water as needed.Add sweet dark soy sauce.
Create the Braising Liquid

Step 3. Braising the Pork Belly

  • Steam (or simmer in a pot) for 1 hour.
Steam (or simmer in a pot) for 1 hour.
Braising the Pork Belly

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Tips

  • Adjust the amount of seasonings to your preference.
  • If using a pot instead of a steamer, regularly add water while simmering to maintain the liquid level.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 700-900
  • Fat: 60-80g
  • Carbs: 20-40g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of beer?

Yes! A dark beer like a stout or porter will add a richer, deeper flavor, while a lighter beer will result in a slightly less intense taste. Avoid anything too hoppy or overly fruity.

2. What can I serve this pork belly with?

This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried greens, noodles, or even alongside dumplings. The braising liquid makes a fantastic sauce for everything!


This melt-in-your-mouth beer braised pork belly recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of tender meat and rich, savory sauce. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can elevate your next meal to unforgettable heights. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the delicious results!