Main course

Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 44.5 tablespoons brown sugar; ¼ cup water; 4 pods of star anise; 22.5 lb slab of pork belly; ½ teaspoon whole Sichuan peppercorns; 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine; 10 cloves of garlic, lightly crushed; ¼ cup light soy sauce; 2 dried orange peels; 1 small stick of cinnamon; 4 thin rounds of fresh ginger; 2 stalks of scallion; ¼ cup dark soy sauce

Iris Miller August 10, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the beauty of Instant Pot Taiwanese braised pork belly, let’s chat about what you can serve alongside it. This dish is bold, flavorful, and can really steal the show. Yet, a well-planned meal can elevate it to an unforgettable experience.

Consider serving it with steamed rice or fluffy jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully and complements the tender pork wonderfully. You might also want to add some garlic sautéed greens — think bok choy or Chinese broccoli; they balance the richness with their mild bitterness. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber salad with sesame oil drizzled over it can be a delightful addition, too.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some pickled vegetables. The tanginess will cut through the pork fat and provide a burst of flavor.

Alright, let’s get into this mouthwatering recipe.

Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly Recipe

I remember the first time I tasted Taiwanese braised pork belly. It was at a small street food stall in Taipei. The rich aroma mingled with the bustling sounds of the market. As I took my first bite, the flavors wrapped around my taste buds like a long-awaited hug. Tender meat melting effortlessly in my mouth practically had me dreaming of making it myself.

Fast forward a few years, and here I am. Thanks to my trusty Instant Pot, I can recreate that same experience without spending hours over a stove. This dish, while deeply satisfying, also tells a story of tradition. It’s comfort food bursting with flavor and cultural significance. Today, we’ll create a fork-tender version of this Taiwanese classic that’s worth sharing.

What is Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly?

Instant Pot Taiwanese braised pork belly is more than just a meal. It’s a culinary experience that highlights a blend of rich flavors and tender textures. The star of this dish is pork belly, which is expertly simmered until it falls apart with just a fork. That delicious sauce? A mix of sweet, savory, and a little bit of spice, thanks to ingredients like dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and star anise.

This dish has roots in Taiwanese culture where it’s often enjoyed during family gatherings or festive occasions. Using the Instant Pot makes it accessible for busy cooks. Even if you’re not an expert chef, this method helps you produce restaurant-quality food in your own kitchen.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly tender pork belly, coated in a glossy, rich sauce that has hints of sweetness from the brown sugar and a touch of warmth from spices like ginger and star anise. There’s a savory depth thanks to the soy sauce and the fragrance of garlic lingering in the background.

It’s a flavor explosion that can make anyone’s taste buds dance. Each bite perfectly balances the rich meatiness of the pork with the aromatic notes of the spices. The dish is so fulfilling that it might just become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This

1. Flavor Galore: With a wonderful mix of spices and sauces, each bite is packed with flavor.
2. Easy Preparation: The Instant Pot takes the hard work out of the cooking process. Just set it and forget it!
3. Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive enough for entertaining guests.
4. Healthy Indulgence: It can be made lower in sodium or served with healthier side dishes like steamed veggies.
5. Comfort Food: This dish provides that home-cooked warmth that makes you feel good inside.

Let’s gather ingredients and dive into the cooking process.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

4.5 tablespoons brown sugar (or rock sugar for extra gloss)
¼ cup water
4 pods of star anise
2.5 lb slab of pork belly
½ teaspoon whole Sichuan peppercorns
3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine, optional)
10 cloves of garlic, lightly crushed
¼ cup light soy sauce
2 dried orange peels (or a strip of fresh orange zest)
1 small stick of cinnamon
4 thin rounds of fresh ginger
2 stalks of scallion (green onion)
¼ cup dark soy sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the pork belly into 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat. Make sure to have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. Prepping is half the battle.

Step 2: Sauté the Pork

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a splash of oil and let it heat for a moment. Toss the pork belly cubes in the pot, browning them on all sides. This step is crucial — it seals in the flavor. Don’t rush! Let them get that nice crust.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Once your pork is beautifully browned, add the garlic, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise. Give it a good stir. In this moment, you’ll be graced by an aroma that sets the stage for the magic to come. After stirring for about a minute, you’ll want the garlic and ginger to infuse their flavors into the pork.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauces

Now, stir in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Add the brown sugar, water, and the cinnamon stick. Don’t forget the dried orange peel for that zesty kick. Bring it all to a simmer, and make sure all the sugar dissolves.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure it’s sealed properly. Select the “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 40 minutes. Yes, 40 minutes may sound long, but trust the process. The pork belly needs this time to break down and become tender.

Step 6: Release and Serve

After the cooking cycle is complete, do a natural release for about 10 minutes. Once that’s done, you can carefully release the remaining pressure. Open the lid, and voilà! You are greeted with an exquisite sight — fork-tender pork belly bathed in a luscious sauce. Serve it over steamed rice, and enjoy.

How to make Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly Recipe

Tips for Making Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly

Use Quality Pork Belly: Look for meat with a good balance of fat and lean. It will enhance the flavor and texture.
Control the Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more; if not, reduce it.
Don’t Skip Marinating: If time allows, marinate the pork belly with soy sauce and spices for a few hours or overnight for more profound flavors.
Add Vegetables: Consider throwing in some sliced carrots or daikon radish during the cooking process for added nutrients.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the “Sauté” function after cooking to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry if you want it done quickly.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving of pork belly (based on 6 servings):

How Do You Store This Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly?

Storing this dish is quite easy. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Divide the batch into portions for quick meals. It will freeze well for up to three months.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly?

Pork Shoulder: If you can’t find pork belly, pork shoulder works well too. It’s a little leaner but still delicious when braised.
Chicken Thighs: For a lighter option, try boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They provide tender meat without the excess fat.
Tofu: If you want a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. It absorbs flavors beautifully and complements the sauce.
Beef Chuck: Feeling adventurous? Beef chuck can be used for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since beef may need more time.
Duck Breast: For an indulgent variant, try duck breast. The richness pairs wonderfully with the sauce.

Conclusion

Creating an Instant Pot Taiwanese braised pork belly dish isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about immersing in flavors and traditions. This recipe allows ingredients to shine without spending all day in the kitchen. From preparation to savoring that last bite, the experience encapsulates the essence of comfort.

Embrace the joy of cooking and enjoy the tender, flavorful results. Your family and friends will appreciate the effort, and trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds. Enjoy your culinary journey!

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Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly Recipe

Author: Iris Miller Cuisine: Asian Courses: Main course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 1550

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Fast forward a few years, and here I am. Thanks to my trusty Instant Pot, I can recreate that same experience without spending hours over a stove. This dish, while deeply satisfying, also tells a story of tradition. It's comfort food bursting with flavor and cultural significance. Today, we’ll create a fork-tender version of this Taiwanese classic that’s worth sharing.