Skip to main content
← Back to Recipes

Japanese Pork Belly Rice Bowl with Pickled Vegetables

MediumJapanesePrep: 30 minutesCook: 1 hour 30 minutesServes 2

Indulge in the exquisite harmony of tender pork belly, tangy pickled vegetables, and fluffy rice in this modern Japanese-inspired dish. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of flavors, from the rich, melt-in-your-mouth pork to the bright, zesty pickles. The aromatic furikake seasoning and savory sauce add depth and complexity, while the runny egg yolk provides a luscious, creamy counterpoint. This bowl is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual masterpiece, with its vibrant colors and textures. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl to create a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation that transports you straight to the heart of Tokyo.

Japanese Pork Belly Rice Bowl with Pickled Vegetables

Ingredients

  • •1 pound pork belly, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • •1/2 cup soy sauce
  • •1/2 cup mirin
  • •1/4 cup sake
  • •1/4 cup brown sugar
  • •2 cloves garlic, minced
  • •1-inch piece ginger, sliced
  • •1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
  • •2 cups water
  • •Optional: Furikake seasoning for garnish
  • •Optional: Pickled vegetables (recipe follows)

Dietary Info

Gluten-containing ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    2. Place the pork belly pieces in a slow cooker, then pour the sauce over the top. Cook on low for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender.

  3. 3

    3. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions or using a rice cooker.

  4. 4

    4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.

  5. 5

    5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the pork belly pieces on all sides until crispy.

  6. 6

    6. Assemble the rice bowls by placing a scoop of rice in each bowl, then topping with pork belly, pickled vegetables (if using), and a drizzle of the reserved sauce.

  7. 7

    7. Optional: Garnish with furikake seasoning before serving.

Cook This with Sous

Get recipes like this from ingredients you already have. Free to download.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play