Juicy, tender pork belly, infused with the fragrant, slightly peppery bite of perilla leaves – this recipe delivers a taste sensation unlike any other. These delightful pork belly rolls are surprisingly easy to make, offering a sophisticated appetizer or a stunning main course that's perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal. Imagine the succulent pork, beautifully browned, contrasting with the vibrant green of the perilla leaves, all wrapped in a neat and elegant package. The combination of rich pork and subtly spicy perilla creates an unforgettable flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting.
This recipe balances simple techniques with big, bold flavors. You'll discover how easily you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Ready to create these delectable Pork Belly & Perilla Leaf Rolls? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced pork belly: 10 sheets (240-250g)
- Shiso leaves: 10 sheets
- Potato starch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Soy sauce
- Sake
- Mirin
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Salad oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Rinse shiso leaves and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
- Stack shiso leaves, remove stems, and cut in half lengthwise.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on pork belly slices.
- Lightly dust pork belly with potato starch.
Step 2. Roll and Sear the Pork Belly
- Place a shiso leaf on each pork belly slice and roll tightly.
- Lightly coat the rolled pork belly with potato starch.
- Heat salad oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Sear the rolled pork belly until browned on all sides, removing excess oil as needed.
Step 3. Simmer in Sauce
- Mix soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar for the sauce.
- Add water to the pan, cover, and steam for 2 minutes on low heat.
- Pour the sauce over the pork belly and simmer for 1-1.5 minutes until thickened.
Step 4. Serve
- Garnish with white sesame seeds before serving.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Roll the pork belly tightly to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Sear the ends of the rolls first to help maintain their shape.
- Steaming helps cook the pork belly thoroughly.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute perilla leaves if I can't find them?
Yes! Shiso leaves are a good substitute, offering a similar slightly peppery and aromatic flavor. Alternatively, you could use fresh basil or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a different but still delicious twist.
2. How far in advance can I prepare the pork belly?
You can marinate the pork belly overnight for optimal flavor absorption. However, ensure you store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the rolls a day in advance and reheat them gently before serving.
These Pork Belly & Perilla Leaf Rolls are a testament to the magic of simple yet elegant cooking. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that's both visually stunning and bursting with flavour. Enjoy the delicious rewards of this easy Japanese recipe!