Pork Belly Sticks

Ingredients:

Pork Belly Sticks:

  • 1 lb pork belly, skin removed and cut into thin strips

  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)

Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

  • Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Pork Belly:

    • In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.

    • Place the pork belly strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the pork belly, ensuring each strip is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for more flavor.

  1. Preheat Grill or Oven:

    • Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

  1. Thread Pork Belly onto Skewers:

    • Thread the marinated pork belly strips onto the soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

  1. Grill or Oven-Bake:

    • Grill the pork belly sticks for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have a nice char. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

  1. Prepare Glaze:

    • While the pork belly is cooking, prepare the glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly.

  1. Brush with Glaze:

    • During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the pork belly sticks with the glaze, turning and brushing to coat evenly.

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Once the pork belly sticks are done, transfer them to a serving platter.

    • Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

  1. Enjoy:

    • Serve the gourmet pork belly sticks hot, either as an appetizer or as part of a main course.

Note:

  • Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the marinade and glaze according to your taste preferences.

  • Consider serving with a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad.