Protein
Pork Belly Block
Availability:
★
★
★
★
☆
(Local supermarket)
What is it?
A whole slab of pork belly. Fat and meat sit in clear layers. Slow simmering turns the fat soft and sweet.
Substitution Guide
✅
Best Substitute
Pork Shoulder Block
Shoulder has less fat but more collagen. It reaches the same tenderness and holds its shape better when sliced.
⚠️
Acceptable
Thick-cut Bacon
Bacon is already cured and smoked. Cut the salt in the pot. Even then, the flavour is not neutral.
🚫
NEVER Use
Pork Loin
Loin has almost no fat between the fibres. Sixty minutes of simmering leaves it dry and stringy.
Related Ingredients
Did you know?
🔬Chashu started as a Chinese roasted pork dish. Japanese ramen shops simmer it instead. The soup suits a simmered cut better.
Sensory Profile
Rich pork smell while simmering. The fat layer turns almost translucent and melts on the tongue.
