This Japanese Chashu recipe approximates Santouka Ramen's toroniku, made with pork cheek that's braised until meltingly tender.
Course Entree
Cuisine Best, Japanese
Level Beginner
Main Ingredient Pork
Diet Dairy-Free, Low-Carb
Ingredients
2pork cheeks(or pork belly)
¾cupswater
1tablespoongranulated sugar
1tablespoonmiso
2tablespoonssoy sauce
2tablespoonsmirin
2tablespoonssake
1inchfresh gingersliced
2large clovesgarlicsmashed
12white peppercorns
Instructions
Put all the ingredients in a pot large enough to accommodate the pork in one layer but small enough so the liquid more or less covers the pork. Partially cover with a lid and simmer over medium low heat for one hour, or until a fork easily passes through the meat. Allow the pork to cool in the braising liquid then remove the meat from the liquid. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator (this makes it easier to slice).
Slice the Chashu hinly against the grain and serve on top of ramen (the heat from the soup should warm it up). This is also great sliced a little thicker and warmed up on top of a bowl of rice with a little of the braising liquid drizzled on top.