Pork Belly Unagi Sous-shi

For the Pork Belly Nigiri:

1. Mix all seasonings, except sesame seeds, scallions, and nori, in a large bowl. Rub pork belly thoroughly and evenly, coating the pork belly.
2. Place the pork belly in a large bag and seal. Allow to marinate and cure for 12 hours.
3. Place in a water bath and cook for 6 hours at 147°F (64°C).
4. Remove from the water bath and set aside to cool for 15 minutes and then submerge in ice water for 30 minutes to an hour.
5. Remove the pork belly from the ice water and then place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

For the Soy Glaze:

1. Place all ingredients in a medium sauce pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Then bring to a simmer over low heat and continue to simmer for two hours until sauce thickens.
3. While hot, strain a couple of times using a chinois and then a fine mesh sieve.
4. Set aside to cool or store in the refrigerator until it’s ready to be served.

For the Seasoned Vinegar:

1. Rinse the kelp and pat dry. Place all ingredients, except the apples, in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Stir gently until the sugar and salt are dissolved, about 7 to 10 minutes. Do not bring to a boil or it will begin to caramelize and darken.
3. Remove from the heat and add the apples.
4. Allow to steep for at least three to four hours at room temperature. Can steep overnight, covered.

For the Sushi Rice:

1. Rinse the rice until water is translucent, anywhere between 5-7 times.  
2. Place the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook for 35 minutes.  If a rice cooker is not available, heat rice and water in a stock pot over high heat until it begins to boil.  Then turn the heat down to low and cover. Cook for 25 minutes and then turn the heat off and let it stand, covered for an additional 10-15 minutes.  
3. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. 
4. Add ½ C of the seasoned vinegar to the rice and mix thoroughly until rice is glossy.  Add more vinegar if necessary.  
5. Allow to rest for 5-7 minutes, then mix again before forming into sushi molds.  If you feel you added excessive vinegar, mix and allow to rest once or twice more.

To Serve:

1. Open the pouch of the pork belly and cut thin rectangular slices of about 1 ½“ x 3”.
2. Place thin slices over a small ball of seasoned sushi rice and wrap with a nori strip.
3. Brush with the soy glaze and sear with a torch for a few minutes or until it reaches desired char and appearance.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions or micro greens.

Developed by Cuisine Solutions chef Kyong Park. Featured in Sous-Vide magazine Spring/Summer 2019.