If you don’t plan to use the pork boiling water for soup or other dishes, you can try this simple method of cooking pork belly without adding any water. It’s quick, convenient, and surprisingly delicious.

Cooking pork belly without water helps the meat retain its natural sweetness and juiciness, giving it a richer, more satisfying flavor. The method is extremely easy—just follow the steps below.

Ingredients

• 300g pork belly

• 3 shallots

• Oyster sauce

• Seasoning powder

• Sugar
  
  

How to Cook Pork Belly Without Water

Step 1: Clean the pork

Rinse the pork belly thoroughly with clean water. You can also wash it with a little white wine to remove impurities and eliminate any unpleasant odor.

Step 2: Blanch the meat

Bring a pot of water to a boil and briefly blanch the pork belly for about 2 minutes. This step helps firm up the meat and removes excess residue from the surface.

Step 3: Prepare the shallots

Peel the shallots and chop them finely.

Step 4: Marinate the pork

Place the blanched pork belly in a bowl. Add the chopped shallots, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Rub the mixture evenly over all sides of the pork to ensure the flavor absorbs well.

Step 5: Let the meat rest

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the meat sit for about 15 minutes so it can fully absorb the marinade. This resting time enhances the aroma and ensures the pork becomes more flavorful after cooking.

Step 6: Cook the pork in the microwave

Transfer the marinated pork to a microwave-safe plate. Cook it in the microwave for 15 minutes on High. After that, flip the pork over and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
This method allows the pork belly to cook in its own fat and natural moisture, ensuring it becomes fully cooked, tender, and rich without needing any added water.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Let the pork cool slightly, then slice it thinly. At this point, the pork should be glossy, fragrant, and perfectly cooked—ready to enjoy with rice, noodles, or your favorite dipping sauce.