Jalapeno Pork Belly Recipe

Prep and marinate

Pat pork belly strips dry with paper towels. In a bowl combine light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch and ground white pepper. Add pork belly and toss until evenly coated. Marinate at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

While pork marinates, whisk together honey, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chicken stock (or water) and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.

Slice jalapeños into rounds, thinly slice garlic cloves, julienne ginger and slice scallions on the bias. Keep aromatics grouped so they're ready to add quickly during stir-frying.

Render and brown pork belly

Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Add marinated pork belly strips in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear without moving for 2–3 minutes to render fat and brown. Stir and continue to cook another 3–4 minutes until pieces are browned and some fat is rendered. Transfer pork to a plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.

Crisp aromatics

If the pan is dry, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Lower heat to medium-high. Add sliced garlic and julienned ginger and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and beginning to color (be careful not to burn). Add sliced jalapeños and stir-fry 1–2 minutes until they brighten and soften slightly.

Combine and glaze

Return the seared pork belly to the pan with any accumulated juices. Pour the prepared honey sauce over the pork and toss to combine. Increase heat to high and let the sauce bubble, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until it reduces slightly and becomes glossy, coating the pork. Taste and add salt and cracked black pepper as needed. If sauce becomes too thick, add up to 1 tablespoon water or stock to loosen.

Finish and serve

Stir in sliced scallions and drizzle sesame oil if not already added; toss once to combine. Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables.