INGREDIENTS:

• 2¼ pounds pork belly
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cup sake
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• One 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 star anise
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 dried chiles de arbol (or other peppers such as cayenne)
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 ° F. Place the pork belly in a large pot and cover with cold water over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove any foam that floats to the top. Remove the pork belly from the water and carefully cut it into bite-size pieces.
2. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup water to a large, ovenproof pot and place it over medium-high heat. Whisk together until the sugar has dissolved, then add the pork belly to the pot and stir to coat. Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a low boil.
3. Cover the pot with an ovenproof lid and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 1 hour. Increase the oven temperature to 375 ° F and remove the cover. Bake for 1 hour more, stirring the contents every 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest on the stove. Take a cup of the sauce from the pot and pour it into a small saucepan over high heat. Cook until the sauce reduces and thickens. Toss the pork pieces in the reduced sauce, and serve.

Here are a few variations you can try for this recipe:

1. Honey-Glazed Pork Belly: Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the sauce mixture for a sweet and savory twist. Adjust the sugar levels accordingly.
2. Spicy Asian Pork Belly: Increase the amount of dried chiles de arbol or add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier version.
3. Teriyaki Pork Belly: Replace the hoisin sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Reduce the soy sauce slightly to balance the saltiness.
4. Garlic and Five-Spice Pork Belly: Add 2 teaspoons of Chinese five-spice powder and 4-5 minced garlic cloves to the sauce for a fragrant and aromatic twist.
5. Pineapple Glazed Pork Belly: Add 1/2 cup of pineapple juice to the sauce mixture for a tropical and tangy flavor. Adjust the sugar levels if needed.
6. Korean-Style Pork Belly: Replace the sake with rice wine, and use Korean gochujang (red pepper paste) for a spicy and flavorful Korean twist.
7. Maple Bourbon Pork Belly: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce for a rich and smoky flavor.
8. Sesame Ginger Pork Belly: Add 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce for a nutty and aromatic taste.
9. Citrus-Glazed Pork Belly: Add the juice and zest of one orange or lime to the sauce mixture for a bright and tangy flavor.
10. Miso-Glazed Pork Belly: Replace the hoisin sauce with white or red miso paste for a deep umami flavor. Adjust the soy sauce levels accordingly.
11. Apple Cider Pork Belly: Use apple cider instead of water in the sauce for a hint of sweetness and autumnal flavor. Adjust the sugar levels as needed.