Kakuni, a Japanese braised pork belly dish, is known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavors. Instead of spending hours simmering on the stove, you can make perfectly tender Kakuni in your Instant Pot in a fraction of the time. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.
1. Selecting the right ingredients
Start with high-quality pork belly, preferably from a butcher or specialty store. Look for a piece with a good balance of meat and fat for the best results. You will also need soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onions to create the flavorful braising liquid.
2. Preparing the pork belly
Cut the pork belly into large chunks, about 2 inches wide, and lightly brown them in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the meat and adds a nice caramelization to the dish.
3. Making the braising liquid
Combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onions in a bowl and mix well. Pour the mixture over the pork belly in the Instant Pot, making sure that the meat is submerged in the liquid.
4. Pressure cooking
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure. The pork belly should be tender and easily fall apart when prodded with a fork.
5. Finishing touches
Remove the pork belly from the Instant Pot and skim off any excess fat from the braising liquid. If desired, you can reduce the liquid further on the sauté function to create a thicker sauce to drizzle over the Kakuni.
6. Serving
Slice the pork belly into thick pieces and serve it with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy the rich and savory Kakuni with your favorite side dishes.
In conclusion, making perfectly tender Kakuni in your Instant Pot is easy and requires minimal effort. By following these steps, you can create a delectable dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, dust off your Instant Pot and get cooking!