Kakuni: The Savory, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Braised Pork Belly

Kakuni recipe (braised pork belly) is a traditional Japanese dish known for its savory, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this dish is a true delight for any pork lover. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork belly absorbs all the delicious seasonings, creating a dish that’s deeply satisfying and full of umami. Whether served over rice or enjoyed as part of a Japanese meal, Kakuni is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

What is Kakuni?

Kakuni is a traditional Japanese dish made by braising pork belly in a flavorful mixture of miso, mentsuyu (a soy sauce-based seasoning), and sugar. The pork is simmered low and slow until it becomes incredibly tender, with the fat melting away, creating a silky texture that’s simply irresistible. Often served with hard-boiled eggs and gobou (burdock root), Kakuni is perfect for a comforting meal that’s full of rich, hearty flavors.

Reasons We Love Kakuni

Tender and Flavorful

The key to Kakuni’s incredible taste lies in the slow braising process. As the pork belly simmers in its savory broth, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is deeply satisfying. The combination of miso, mentsuyu, and sugar creates a rich umami flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce.

Versatile and Customizable

Kakuni is a dish that allows for plenty of variation. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference, add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, or even serve it with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it on its own, as the rich, flavorful broth will complement any side dish.

Perfect for Special Occasions or Weeknight Dinners

While Kakuni might seem like a dish for special occasions, it’s actually perfect for weeknight dinners too! The slow-cooking process means you can prepare it in advance, letting the flavors develop while you go about your day. It’s also a great option for sharing with family and friends at gatherings, making it an ideal dish for both casual meals and celebrations.

Make Your Own Kakuni at Home

Making Kakuni at home is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple recipe that brings the flavors of this classic dish straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

800 grams pork belly 8 cups water 135 ml mentsuyu (3x strength) 3 tbsp sugar 30 grams miso 100 grams gobou (burdock root) Optional: 4 hard-boiled eggs Instructions:

1. Brown the Pork Belly Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the pork belly skin-side down and sear until browned. Turn and repeat on all sides. Remove the pork belly from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before cutting.
2. Simmer the Pork Belly Cut the pork belly into 1.5 cm pieces and the gobou into bite-sized pieces. Remove excess oil from the pot (save it for cooking). Add sugar, mentsuyu, miso, and water, stirring to combine. Add the pork belly pieces, ensuring they are fully covered. If necessary, transfer to a smaller pot.
3. Add the Vegetables and Eggs Add the gobou and hard-boiled eggs (if using) into the pot. Place a piece of parchment paper or paper towel on top of the ingredients to help keep the moisture in. Let the mixture simmer for about 1 hour.
4. Check the Liquid Level After an hour, check how much liquid remains in the pot. If the liquid is still too watery, continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Reduce the heat and cook for another 30 minutes or until the sauce reaches the right thickness.

Serve and Enjoy Once the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve! Enjoy your Kakuni over rice, with vegetables, or as a side dish to complement other Japanese meals.

Conclusion:

Kakuni is more than just a dish—it’s a Japanese comfort food that delivers rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Whether you’re enjoying it over rice or with a side of vegetables, this dish is sure to bring joy to any meal. Have you tried Kakuni before? Share your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below!