Stewed Pork Belly

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of a hearty stew simmering on the stove, especially when it features succulent pork belly as the star ingredient. This recipe for Stewed Pork Belly is a cozy and flavorful dish that will warm your soul and impress your dinner guests. The tender pork belly, cooked to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

**Stewed Pork Belly**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the pork belly cubes to the pot, allowing them to brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Once the pork belly is evenly browned, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ground pepper, and paprika. Stir well to coat the pork belly pieces with the flavorful sauce.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the pork belly is mostly submerged in the liquid. Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs for added aroma and flavor.
5. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
6. Periodically check on the stew, giving it a gentle stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
7. Once the pork belly is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
8. Serve the Stewed Pork Belly hot over a bed of steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of the tender pork belly, savoring each bite as the comforting stew warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Create this Stewed Pork Belly recipe for a cozy night in or a special gathering with loved ones. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to double the recipe for leftovers that taste even better the next day. Happy cooking!