Buta Kakuni Braised Pork

Buta Kakuni is a tender and flavorful braised pork belly dish that melts in your mouth, showcasing the rich umami of Japanese cooking. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, served with rice and garnished with green onions for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• Pork belly - 500 grams
• Soy sauce - 60 ml
• Mirin - 60 ml
• Sake - 60 ml
• Sugar - 2 tablespoons (30 grams)
• Ginger - 1 piece (about 20 grams), sliced
• Green onions - 2, chopped
• Water - 500 ml
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Hard-boiled eggs - 2, optional

Steps

1. Begin by cutting the pork belly into 5 cm cubes and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove impurities; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat and add the blanched pork belly, searing on all sides until lightly browned.
3. Add the sliced ginger to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and water, then add the sugar. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, until the pork is tender.
6. Check occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the pork submerged.
7. Once cooked, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. If using, add the hard-boiled eggs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and with steamed rice on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in collagen, promoting skin health and joint function.

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