Oh, you are in for a treat with this low carb sticky Chinese pork belly! I stumbled upon this gem a few months ago when looking for a comforting yet healthy dish to make after a long day at work. Pork belly has such a rich history in Chinese cuisine, known for its balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. This version is perfect if you're watching your carb intake but still want to enjoy something indulgent.
This savory delight pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy to keep things low carb and nutritious. For a more filling meal, try cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar and sesame oil.
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Low Carb Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 lb pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar-free hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar-free hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar-free hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water to create the marinade.
3. Heat the sesame oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour the marinade over the pork belly and stir to coat the meat evenly.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the pork belly is tender.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
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7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Variations & Tips
Want a spicier kick? Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also toss in some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet before transferring to the oven for a bit of extra veggie goodness. If you're not strictly low carb, a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa can be great additions too.