Kakuni

Method

1. 1 Pan-fry the whole pork belly block for 4 minutes on each side, then blanch for 15 minutes and drain.
2. 2 Simmer the meat chunks with soy sauce, sake, sugar, and ginger over the lowest heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
3. 3 The Nagasaki version is served with thick slices of bread for use as a sandwich filling, rather than as a whole block in a bowl.
4. 4 Let the meat cool in the braising liquid, then slice it into 1.5 cm thick slices.
5. 5 Simmer the broth until it reduces to one-third of its original volume, forming a thick, glossy sauce.
6. 6 Toast the bread slices for 4 minutes, then sandwich a slice of meat with lettuce, spread with mustard, and drizzle with sauce.

With an appliance

• Pressure cooker 2 hr

  Replace step 2: pressure cook for 45 minutes, then release the pressure naturally, and then simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.