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–+ servings

Pua's Pork Belly from Moana

The Starving Chef
Polynesian pineapple pork belly: a savory-sweet dish inspired by Moana, perfect for a taste of the tropics.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 6 hours
Course Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Disney, Movies, Pork
Servings 8

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs pork belly skin on
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 6-8 cups water
  • ½ cup coconut palm sugar
  • 1 tablespoon galangal
  • 1 tablespoon garlic
  • 1 cup shaoxing wine
  • 4 tablespoons black vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass
  • 4 tablespoons dark sweet soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 40 oz crushed pineapple
  • ½ cup red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup tomato paste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add the pork belly skin side down and sear to remove any remaining hairs. Once the skin is browning, reduce the heat to medium-high.
  • Add in the coconut palm sugar, galangal, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, Shaoxing wine, sweet dark soy sauce, fish sauce, and coconut water.
  • Add enough water to cover the pork belly then place the bay leaves into the pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes and use a strainer to skim off excess fat that floats to the surface. Then cover and continue to simmer for 1.5 hours.
  • Remove the pork belly from the simmering liquid and set aside on a cutting board to dry. Remove the bay leaves from the liquid and discard.
  • Bring the liquid to a rolling bubble. Add in the crushed pineapple, diced red pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue to simmer while stirring occasionally until the liquids have mostly cooked down to a barbecue sauce consistency.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pork belly skin side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Spread the sauce over the top of the pork belly so that it is evenly covered. Tent the pork belly under foil and place it into the preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 200°F - it needs to reach this temp to render down the fat and make the pork tender - about 2 hours in the oven.
  • Allow the pork belly to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cutting. Serve warm and enjoy!
Keyword BBQ, pineapple, pork, pork belly
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