Pork Belly Sticky Rice is a delicious, comforting dish made with tender slow-cooked pork belly, sticky rice, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy. This dish is often associated with Lunar New Year celebrations, but it can be enjoyed year-round. With its balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and hearty.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Sticky Rice:

  • 2 cups sweet rice or glutinous rice

• For the Slow Cooked Pork Belly:

  • 1 lb thick pork belly slices (rindless, cut into 3-inch pieces)

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • Thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and minced)

  • 3 garlic cloves (roughly chopped)

  • ½ tbsp mirin

  • ½ tbsp granulated sugar

• For the Pork Belly Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce

  • 1 tsp lemongrass paste

  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and minced)

  • ¼ tsp Chinese five-spice

  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

  • Dash of white pepper

• For the Sticky Rice Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine

  • 2 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • Pinch of white pepper

• For the Sticky Rice Mix-Ins:

  • 3 ½ tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

  • 2 tsp minced ginger

  • 3 green onions (white and green parts separated)

  • 7 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms (sliced, about 3 cups)

  • 3 Chinese sausage links (sliced on a bias)

  • 2 medium bok choy (chopped, about 3 cups)

  • ½ tbsp sesame oil

  • ½ cup chicken broth

Directions

1. Prepare the Sticky Rice: The day before, soak the sticky rice in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain before cooking.

2. Slow Cook the Pork Belly: In a slow cooker, combine pork belly, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, mirin, and sugar. Cook on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours until the pork is tender. Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop for 2-3 hours, adding more broth as needed. Once cooked, cool, pat dry, and cut the pork belly into ½-inch pieces.

3. Make the Sauces: Mix the ingredients for the pork belly sauce and sticky rice sauce in separate bowls and set aside.

4. Steam the Rice: Steam the soaked rice by placing it in a parchment-lined steamer basket over simmering water for 25-30 minutes, until tender.

5. Sear the Pork Belly: Sear the pork belly pieces in a hot pan until crispy, then pour in the pork belly sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

6. Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage: In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, green onion whites, shiitake mushrooms, Chinese sausage, and bok choy until cooked. Set aside.

7. Combine the Sticky Rice: Heat the remaining oil and sesame oil in the pan. Add the cooked sticky rice, breaking it apart, then pour in the sticky rice sauce. Mix well until all rice is coated.

8. Finish the Dish: Add the seared pork belly and sautéed ingredients back into the pan with the rice. Add chicken broth and green onion greens, cover, and cook on low for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Serve: Serve the Pork Belly Sticky Rice hot, and enjoy!

Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 46g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 7g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 1,200mg

• Potassium: 500mg

• Calcium: 70mg

• Iron: 3mg

• Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value

• Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value

A Hearty and Flavorful Combination

The combination of tender, slow-cooked pork belly with sticky rice and vegetables is a classic in many Asian cuisines. The pork belly, which is rich and succulent, serves as the star of the dish, while the sticky rice acts as the perfect accompaniment, absorbing the savory juices and enhancing the overall flavor profile. The addition of Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy introduces a variety of textures and flavors that take the dish to the next level.

The pork belly is slow-cooked until it’s tender and infused with the flavors of ginger, garlic, and mirin, then seared until crispy. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with the crispy exterior providing a satisfying contrast to the rich, juicy interior. The sticky rice, often cooked with aromatic seasonings like soy sauce and sesame oil, is sticky enough to hold all the ingredients together while still maintaining its individual character. Together, these components form a balanced dish that is both indulgent and nourishing.

Slow-Cooked Pork Belly: The Heart of the Dish

At the center of Pork Belly Sticky Rice is the slow-cooked pork belly, which brings richness and depth to the dish. Pork belly, known for its layers of fat and meat, requires slow cooking to break down the fat, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. When prepared correctly, pork belly can melt in your mouth, offering a satisfying combination of crispy skin and succulent meat.

In this recipe, the pork belly is cooked with a simple mixture of chicken broth, ginger, garlic, mirin, and sugar, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors during the slow cooking process. The use of mirin and sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the pork, while the garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth. After the pork belly is slow-cooked, it is seared to create a crispy exterior, adding another layer of texture and flavor to the dish.

The Flavorful Sauces: Elevating the Taste

The success of Pork Belly Sticky Rice lies not only in the main ingredients but also in the flavorful sauces that tie everything together. Two distinct sauces are used in this dish: the pork belly sauce and the sticky rice sauce. Each sauce contributes a unique element that enhances the overall dish.

The pork belly sauce is a mixture of dark soy sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste, Chinese five-spice, and white pepper. This combination of ingredients creates a sweet, savory, and aromatic sauce that coats the pork belly, imparting depth and richness. The dark soy sauce adds umami, while the five-spice and lemongrass bring fragrant and slightly spicy notes that elevate the flavor of the pork.

The sticky rice sauce, on the other hand, combines soy sauce, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. This sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the rice, ensuring that every grain is perfectly coated. The sesame oil contributes a nutty richness, while the Shaoxing wine adds a subtle depth that complements the other flavors. Together, these sauces create a harmonious balance of flavors that brings the entire dish together.

Vegetables and Chinese Sausage: Adding Texture and Flavor

While the pork belly and sticky rice are the focal points of this dish, the vegetables and Chinese sausage add important textures and additional flavors. Shiitake mushrooms, with their earthy taste and meaty texture, complement the rich pork belly beautifully. They absorb the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and flavorful as they cook.

Bok choy, a mild and slightly crunchy vegetable, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork and sticky rice. It brings a hint of sweetness and crispness, making it the perfect complement to the dish’s hearty components. The Chinese sausage adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor, with a firm texture that provides a satisfying contrast to the tender pork and rice.

Together, these vegetables and sausage contribute not only to the flavor profile but also to the dish’s visual appeal. The combination of vibrant green bok choy, deep brown mushrooms, and the golden pork belly creates a beautiful and appetizing dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

The Perfect Sticky Rice: A Key Element

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is an essential component of this dish. It’s prized for its unique texture, which allows it to stick together and absorb the flavors of the sauces and meats. The sticky nature of the rice makes it the perfect accompaniment to the tender pork belly and flavorful vegetables, allowing every bite to be a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

The rice is soaked overnight to ensure it cooks to the perfect consistency. After steaming, it’s seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of Shaoxing wine, giving it a savory depth that complements the richness of the pork belly. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauces and juices from the meat, making it even more delicious and satisfying. The combination of the sticky rice with the savory pork belly creates a comfort food experience that is both hearty and flavorful.

The Art of Combining Ingredients: Creating Harmony

The magic of Pork Belly Sticky Rice lies in the harmony of its ingredients. The slow-cooked pork belly, crispy and tender, melds perfectly with the sticky rice, which is seasoned just right to complement the richness of the meat. The vegetables, Chinese sausage, and mushrooms add texture, depth, and a variety of flavors that elevate the dish, ensuring every bite is a satisfying experience.

The balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors makes this dish incredibly well-rounded. The sweetness of the brown sugar in both the pork belly and sticky rice sauces contrasts with the savory depth of the soy sauce and sesame oil, while the garlic, ginger, and lemongrass provide aromatic depth. The richness of the pork belly is balanced by the mild sweetness of the Chinese sausage and the refreshing crunch of the bok choy. Together, these elements create a truly unforgettable dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Pork Belly Sticky Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It is perfect for a comforting family meal or a celebratory feast, especially during Lunar New Year. The dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to provide a contrast to the richness of the pork and rice.

For those looking to customize the dish, there are plenty of options for variation. While the pork belly is a central ingredient, you can swap it out for other proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu, depending on your preference. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of oil used and opt for a leaner cut of meat. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to further enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.

Conclusion: A Satisfying and Flavorful Meal

In conclusion, Pork Belly Sticky Rice is a dish that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures in a way that is both comforting and indulgent. The slow-cooked pork belly, sticky rice, and flavorful vegetables work together to create a harmonious meal that is sure to please anyone who loves savory, umami-packed dishes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a hearty dinner, this dish is a perfect choice. Its combination of rich, savory flavors and tender textures makes it a memorable meal that will leave everyone satisfied and craving more.