Pork Belly Chashu Recipe | Tender Japanese Style Braised Pork

Introduction

Pork belly chashu is a Japanese style braised pork that is famous as a ramen topping but also delicious on rice or served on its own. The word chashu originally comes from the Chinese roasted pork called Char Siu. In Japan the cooking method transformed from roasting to slow simmering which creates a tender texture and rich flavor that melts in the mouth. In this recipe you will learn how to season pork belly properly how to achieve a glossy finish and how resting time affects tenderness. I created this version because many people asked how to make authentic chashu at home starting from scratch instead of using store bought toppings. This recipe is also the base for the ramen broth that I will share in the next video.

Ingredients

Pork Belly Chashu (for a 700g / 1.5 lb piece)

For Seasoning

• Salt – 1 teaspoon (about 6g)
• Black pepper – Generous amount
• Grated garlic – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

For Braising Sauce

• Soy sauce – 100 ml
• Mirin – 50 ml
• Sake – 50 ml
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons (adjust sweetness to taste)
• Water – 200 ml
• Green onion (only the green part) – 1 stalk
• Ginger slices – 3 to 4 pieces
• Garlic (crushed) – 1 clove

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Pork

Rub salt black pepper and garlic on the pork and let it rest.

Step 2: Roll and Tie

Roll the pork belly with the fat side out and secure it tightly with kitchen twine.

Step 3: Brown the Surface

Sear all sides of the meat in a hot pan or Dutch oven until golden.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour in the sauce with soy sauce mirin sake sugar water green onion ginger and garlic.

Step 5: Simmer Solely

Cover with a drop lid and simmer on low heat. Let it cool in the liquid and refrigerate overnight before slicing and torching.

Tips

• Resting helps the seasoning penetrate deeply
• Browning adds aroma and seals in umami
• Refrigerating overnight creates a clean cross section when sliced
• Torch the surface just before serving for a smoky finish

Watch the Full Recipe on YouTube

For a full visual guide and cooking flow you can watch the complete step by step video on my YouTube channel.

Watch here:

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