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Thailand ยท Food

Five-Spice Braised Pork Belly

50 min
770 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo ยท August 3, 2026

Five-Spice Braised Pork Belly๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

6 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Five-Spice Braised Pork Belly. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countriesSee all 6 matches

A comforting, melt-in-the-mouth Thai stew of pork belly braised in a dark, aromatic broth flavored with star anise, cinnamon, and soy sauce.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Five-Spice Braised Pork Belly from another cuisine is Telur Ceplok Kecap (Indonesia): the two share 57% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Cut the pork belly into 3cm cubes and sear them in a pot until golden brown on all sides.

  • 2

    Add the crushed garlic, five-spice powder, and star anise to the pot, frying for 1 minute until highly fragrant.

  • 3

    Pour in enough water to submerge the meat, then add soy sauce and palm sugar to build the base.

  • 4

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover; simmer gently for 40 minutes.

  • 5

    Add the pre-boiled eggs into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the dark, savory liquid.

  • 6

    Continue simmering for another 10 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the color and flavor of the spices.

  • 7

    Check the pork belly; it should be incredibly tender, almost falling apart at the touch of a fork.

  • 8

    Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve in deep bowls with steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Five-Spice Braised Pork Belly?

Five-Spice Braised Pork Belly is a savory Thai dish consisting of pork belly slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and five-spice powder with star anise. Often served with hard-boiled eggs and cilantro, it is typically enjoyed as a main course with steamed jasmine rice.

Can I use pork shoulder?

Yes, it is leaner than pork belly. Just note that the cooking time might increase slightly to ensure it's tender.

How do I make the broth deeper in flavor?

Sear the pork belly well before braising; that caramelization is key to the depth of the finished broth.

Is the egg essential?

The hard-boiled eggs are a traditional component as they act as a sponge for the aromatic braising liquid.

How long can I store this?

It tastes even better the next day after the spices have fully developed; store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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