Kakuni – Slow-Braised Japanese Pork Belly with a Rich and Flavorful Sauce

Kakuni – Slow-Braised Japanese Pork Belly with a Rich and Flavorful Sauce

Kakuni is a delectable Japanese dish featuring succulent, slow-braised pork belly. The name “Kakuni” translates to “square simmered,” referring to the cubes of pork that are cooked gently in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce. This dish is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, comforting flavors. Served often as a main course or an appetizer, Kakuni pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
– 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1-inch piece ginger, sliced thin
– 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch segments
– 2 cloves garlic, crushed
– 1 piece of kombu (dried kelp), optional

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:
– Place the pork belly cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
– Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to remove impurities.
– Drain the pork and rinse under cold water to remove any scum.
– Wipe the pot clean and return the pork belly to it.

2. Braising:
– Add 2 cups of water, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, green onions, and garlic to the pot with the pork belly.
– If using kombu, add it to the pot at this stage.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
– Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and braise the pork for about 2-3 hours or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

3. Finish and Serve:
– Remove the pork belly cubes from the pot and set aside.
– Strain the braising liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, discarding the solids.
– Return the strained liquid to the heat and simmer until it is reduced to a glossy, thick sauce.
– Return the pork belly into the sauce to heat through before serving.

4. Serve:
– Arrange the pork belly pieces on a serving plate and drizzle with the reduced sauce.
– Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
– Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your richly flavorful Kakuni.

This recipe yields a wonderfully tender and savory dish that will be a sure crowd-pleaser, perfect for bringing a taste of Japanese comfort cuisine to your table.