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JAPANESE CHASHU PORK ROLL — SLOW-BRAISED, TENDER, AND SUCCULENT

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
JAPANESE CHASHU PORK ROLL — SLOW-BRAISED, TENDER, AND SUCCULENT

JAPANESE CHASHU PORK ROLL — SLOW-BRAISED, TENDER, AND SUCCULENT

Experience the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Japanese chashu, a pork belly roll slow-cooked in a deeply savory umami sauce until irresistibly soft and juicy. Ideal for topping ramen or enjoyed on its own in sandwiches and salads, this recipe brings authentic flavors and perfect texture to your table.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

⏲️ Cooking Time: 2.5 hours
🍽️ Yields: About 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 piece pork belly (approx. 1 kg), preferably meaty
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 50 g mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 50 g sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 15 g fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Roll

  • Choose a meaty pork belly piece. Roll it tightly and tie securely with kitchen twine.

2. Brown the Pork

  • Heat oil in a heavy pan or Dutch oven large enough to hold the roll.
  • Brown the pork roll on all sides for about 3 minutes per side until golden.

3. Add Flavorings and Cook

  • Add sliced ginger, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, water, mirin, and rice vinegar to the pot.
  • Cover with a lid and place in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F).
  • Cook for 2.5 hours, turning the roll in the liquid every 30 minutes.
  • If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 90°C (194°F).

4. Cool and Store

  • Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork cool in the cooking liquid.
  • Refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and the fat to solidify.

5. Slice and Serve

  • The next day, remove the pork roll from the liquid and slice thinly.
  • Warm slices in a dry pan over medium heat to brown slightly—the pork’s own fat will render and prevent sticking.
  • Keep leftover roll wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated. Slice only as much as you plan to serve at a time.

💡 Tips

  • Rolling and tying the pork tightly ensures even cooking and perfect slices.
  • Browning adds depth of flavor and appealing color.
  • Use the leftover cooking liquid as a flavorful broth base or sauce.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Classic ramen toppings
  • Savory sandwiches and buns
  • Protein-packed salads

📝 Final Thoughts

This Japanese chashu pork roll combines slow-cooked tenderness with rich, balanced umami flavors, creating a versatile dish that enhances ramen and shines in sandwiches or salads. With a little preparation and patience, you can enjoy authentic restaurant-quality chashu at home.