Sticky Pork Belly Bites
Equipment
-
Frying pan
-
Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Pork & Marinade
- 8 oz thinly sliced pork belly, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp five spice powder
Optional Garnishes
- Scallions
- Egg yolks
Instructions
-
Cut the thinly sliced pork belly into 1-inch chunks. In a bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and five spice powder. Add the pork, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
-
Heat a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly in a single layer and cook 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3 minutes. Stir and spread the sauce, then cook an additional 2 minutes until the pieces are sticky and caramelized. Remove from heat.
-
Serve the pork belly over hot rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and an egg yolk if desired. For extra caramelization, briefly use a blowtorch on the glazed meat.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
What Makes Sticky Pork Belly Bites The Ultimate Rice Destroyer
Pork belly is naturally rich and juicy because of its high fat-to-meat ratio. These Sticky Pork Belly Bites take advantage of that by using a short, flavorful marinade that caramelizes quickly in a hot pan. The combination of soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and brown sugar creates a sweet, salty, and umami glaze similar to char siu but ready in a fraction of the time. In about 25 minutes you can have a restaurant-style dish with minimal equipment.
Why Sticky Pork Belly Bites Are So Reliable
This recipe delivers bold flavor without the wait. Hoisin, oyster sauce, dark and light soy, plus five spice create a balanced marinade that browns and caramelizes quickly. Brown sugar helps the glaze set while the pork renders some fat, enhancing both texture and taste. If you want takeout-style flavors at home fast and affordably, this is a simple, dependable option.
What You’ll Need To Make Sticky Pork Belly Bites
Pork & Marinade
- 8 oz thinly sliced pork belly, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp five spice powder
Optional Garnishes
- Scallions
- Egg yolks
How to Make Sticky Pork Belly Bites
Cut the pork belly into 1-inch chunks. In a bowl, mix the dark soy, light soy, sesame oil, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, hoisin, brown sugar, and five spice. Add the pork, toss to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat a pan with a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork in a single layer and sear 3 minutes per side. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes so the sauce thickens and the meat becomes sticky and caramelized. Remove from the pan.
Serve over steamed rice and finish with sliced scallions and an egg yolk if you like. For an extra touch, briefly torch the glazed pork to deepen the caramelization.
Tips and Variations
• Use skinless pork belly for the best sear; skin-on can be chewy.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan so the meat can caramelize properly.
• Serve with shredded cabbage for a traditional contrast to the rich pork.
• Leftovers reheat well: pan-fry for a few minutes per side over medium-low heat to crisp them back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use thick-cut pork belly instead of thinly sliced?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook through and may not caramelize as quickly. Thin slices give faster, more even caramelization and better flavor absorption.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. These bites reheat well—pan-fry briefly to restore crispness or microwave if needed.
What if I don’t have five spice powder?
You can omit it or substitute a small pinch of cinnamon and ground fennel for similar warm notes.
Is the egg yolk garnish safe to eat?
Use pasteurized yolks if you have concerns. The yolk is optional and adds richness similar to sukiyaki.
What’s the best rice to serve this with?
Short-grain white rice, such as jasmine or sushi rice, soaks up the sauce and balances the richness.
Try These Next
Craving more sweet-and-salty flavors? Try Honey Butter Chicken Tenders or Honey Glazed Pork Belly for more porky goodness. For a protein-forward option, Thai Basil Chicken is a great choice.