08/26/2026
Sticky, savory, and packed with flavor. 🥢✨
These Pork Belly Bao Buns get their irresistible caramelized finish from Takara Mirin, bringing the perfect balance of sweetness and depth to every bite. Topped with crisp cucumber, fresh cilantro, and spicy mayo, they're a crowd pleasing recipe worth making again and again.
Save this recipe for your next homemade feast. 🍽️
Pork Belly Bao Buns (Takara Mirin)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1.5 lb pork belly
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Takara Mirin
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
For Serving:
8 bao buns
Sliced cucumber
Fresh cilantro
Spicy mayo
Sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Takara Mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Place the pork belly in a baking dish and pour the sauce over it. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 2.5 hours, until the pork is tender.
3. Remove the foil and spoon the sauce over the pork. Increase the heat to 425°F and roast for another 15–20 minutes until caramelized and glossy.Slice the pork belly into thick pieces.
4. Steam the bao buns according to package instructions. Assemble with pork belly, cucumber, cilantro, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds.
