Pepper Pork Belly with Garlicky Java Rice

Steps

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1. 1
   Heat oil in a pan and fry the chopped yellow onion for about 1 minute.
   ≈0:58
2. 2
   Add garlic and fry until fragrant. The order prevents the dish from being too garlicky; reverse the order if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
   ≈1:12
3. 3
   Add pork belly slices and fry on high heat, stirring constantly, until one side is light brown.
   ≈1:49
4. 4
   Pour in Knorr Liquid Seasoning, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, stir well, and cook for 1 minute.
   ≈2:43
5. 5
   Cover the pan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the pork becomes very tender. This may take over an hour—the slow cooking is essential to develop flavor and tenderness.
   ≈3:12
6. 6
   While the pork simmers, make the java rice. Heat oil, add annatto seeds, and cook on lowest heat for 1 minute to infuse color.
   ≈4:09
7. 7
   Once the oil turns red, strain out the seeds and keep the annatto oil.
   ≈4:30
8. 8
   Heat the annatto oil and add butter, letting it melt until bubbly.
   ≈4:44
9. 9
   Add garlic and fry until fragrant. Crushed garlic can be used if short on time.
   ≈5:04
10. 10
    Add the cold leftover rice, starting with half and stirring, then add the rest. Use a light tossing motion to mix without breaking the grains.
    ≈5:24
11. 11
    Cook for 3 minutes, season with salt and black pepper, then cook for another 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate.
    ≈6:05
12. 12
    Once the pork is very tender (after about 1 hour 15 minutes), add sugar and stir to combine.
    ≈6:40
13. 13
    Prepare red, green, and orange bell peppers; remove seeds and cut into squares. Use all trimmings to avoid waste.
    ≈7:15
14. 14
    Add the bell peppers to the pork and cook for 5–7 minutes. They bring a distinct sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
    ≈8:15
15. 15
    Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to thicken the sauce. Adjust water and seasoning to your preference.
    ≈8:34
16. 16
    Cook for another 5–7 minutes to develop the natural pepper flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve.
    ≈9:24