Braised Pork Belly with Quail Eggs is a mouthwatering Filipino-inspired dish that’s packed with savory flavors and tender textures. The pork belly, caramelized to perfection and simmered in a rich coconut juice sauce, becomes incredibly tender. Paired with hard-boiled quail eggs and a punch of umami from fish sauce and soy, this dish is a comforting and indulgent meal. It’s perfect for dinner or special occasions when you want to treat yourself or impress guests.
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
- 2 lbs pork belly, cut into small chunks
- 30-40 quail eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallot bulbs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
- 1 can coconut juice (approximately 400 ml)
- 5 stalks chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Pork Belly
- Blanch the pork belly: In a large pot of boiling water, add the pork belly and boil for 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and rinse: Once done, drain the pork belly and rinse it with cold water. This will help remove excess impurities and ensure a cleaner taste.
Step 2: Caramelize the Sugar
- Melt the sugar: In a large pot or wok, melt the brown sugar over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until it turns a deep amber color. This step adds a rich sweetness and depth to the dish.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- Sauté garlic and shallots: Once the sugar has caramelized, add the sliced shallots and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The sweetness of the caramelized sugar will blend beautifully with the aromatic garlic and shallots.
Step 4: Add Pork Belly and Seasonings
- Add the pork belly: Add the blanched pork belly to the pot and stir to coat the pork with the caramelized sugar and aromatics.
- Season: Pour in the sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Add Coconut Juice and Simmer
- Pour in the coconut juice: Add the coconut juice to the pot, ensuring the pork belly is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour or until the pork belly becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
Step 6: Add Quail Eggs
- Add the quail eggs: Carefully add the hard-boiled quail eggs into the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are heated through and have absorbed some of the sauce’s flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the pork belly is tender and the quail eggs are fully heated, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve this delicious Braised Pork Belly with Quail Eggs hot with a side of steamed rice. The flavorful sauce is perfect for spooning over the rice!
Tips for Success:
- Coconut Juice Alternative: If you can’t find coconut juice, coconut milk can also be used, though it will result in a richer, creamier sauce.
- Chili Flakes: The chili flakes are optional, but they add a nice kick of heat. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Pork Belly: Make sure to cut the pork belly into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Braised Pork Belly with Quail Eggs actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days and reheat it gently before serving.
Can I substitute the quail eggs with regular eggs?
Yes, you can substitute quail eggs with regular boiled eggs, though the cooking time for regular eggs might differ. The smaller quail eggs tend to soak up the sauce more easily, but regular eggs will still work well.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a little water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Conclusion
This Braised Pork Belly with Quail Eggs is an incredibly flavorful, comforting dish with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The tender pork belly combined with rich coconut juice and quail eggs makes this a luxurious meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.