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This innovative dish features succulent pork belly that’s first braised until tender, then skewered and grilled yakitori-style for a caramelized exterior. The pork is paired with a unique nori jam that adds depth and umami, creating a perfect balance of rich, sweet, and savory flavors. The twice-cooking method ensures the pork is both tender and crispy, while the nori jam provides a sophisticated Japanese twist.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Belly:

  • 1kg pork belly, skin on
  • 2 cups dashi stock
  • ½ cup sake
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 inches ginger, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 green onions, roughly chopped

For the Nori Jam:

  • 4 sheets nori (dried seaweed)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • 2 tablespoons sake
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated

For the Yakitori Glaze:

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • ¼ cup sake
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For Assembly:

  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
  • Green onions for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) optional

Directions:

  1. First Cook – Braising the Pork:
    • Cut pork belly into 2-inch squares
    • Combine dashi, sake, mirin, soy sauce in a pot
    • Add ginger, garlic, and green onions
    • Add pork belly and bring to a simmer
    • Cover and cook for 1.5-2 hours until tender
    • Remove pork and let cool
    • Strain and reserve cooking liquid
  2. Make the Nori Jam:
    • Toast nori sheets briefly over open flame or in dry pan
    • Break into small pieces and soak in warm water for 10 minutes
    • Drain and blend in food processor
    • In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, vinegar, and sugar
    • Add garlic and ginger
    • Add blended nori and simmer until thickened (about 15 minutes)
    • Cool and store in an airtight container
  3. Prepare Yakitori Glaze:
    • Combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan
    • Simmer until reduced by half and slightly thickened
    • Set aside
  4. Second Cook – Grilling:
    • Thread cooled pork belly pieces onto soaked bamboo skewers
    • Preheat grill or charcoal hibachi to medium-high heat
    • Grill skewers, turning frequently and basting with glaze
    • Cook until exterior is caramelized and crispy (about 4-5 minutes)
  5. Assembly and Serving:
    • Arrange skewers on serving plate
    • Brush with additional glaze
    • Dollop or spread nori jam alongside
    • Garnish with chopped green onions
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and shichimi togarashi
    • Serve immediately while hot

Tips:

  • The pork belly can be braised a day ahead
  • Strain and save the braising liquid for other dishes
  • The nori jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week
  • For best results, use real Japanese charcoal (binchotan) if available
  • Cut pork belly into uniform sizes for even cooking

Note: This dish combines traditional Japanese yakitori techniques with modern fusion elements. The key is achieving the right balance between the rich pork, sweet glaze, and umami-rich nori jam. The twice-cooking method ensures both tender meat and a crispy exterior.

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