Ginger Beer Braised Pork Belly

There's nothing more fun (and cost-efficient) than finding the right leftover ingredients in your fridge for experimentation. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. In this case, this version of braised pork belly turned out pretty good! Who knew leftover ginger-beer (that was originally bought as a mixer for Jameson and ginger) could be repurposed in this fashion! The sweetness mixed with some Asian ingredients make a tasty dish that can be eaten by itself or with some rice.

Ginger Beer Braised Pork Belly

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 45 min

Servings: 1-2

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 6 pieces of thick pork belly (sliced)

• 3/4 cup ginger beer

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/8 cup Mirin (Japanese wine)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: Microgreens (for garnish)

Directions:

• In a medium bowl, mix together ginger beer, soy sauce, and Mirin. Set aside.

• In a medium pot, add olive oil over medium high heat. Add pork belly and sear each side for about 3 minutes. Then add the sauce mixture in. Make sure most of each piece is covered in the sauce.

• Reduce to medium low, cover pot with a lid, and let simmer for at least 40 minutes. Simmer longer for a softer texture.

• Turn off stove, remove lid, and transfer just the pork belly to a serving plate. Optional: Add a pinch of salt and microgreens to finish/garnish. Enjoy as an appetizer or with rice.