Hairy Navel
Hairy Navel is a traditional Chinese dish, specifically a Hakka delicacy, made from pork belly that is first deep-fried and then braised until the skin develops a distinctive wrinkled, 'hairy' texture. It is typically braised in a savory sauce with ingredients like soy sauce, rock sugar, Shaoxing wine, and aromatics such as ginger and star anise. The dish is a staple in Hakka cuisine and is also popular in various forms across other Chinese regional cuisines.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in both fat and protein due to its main ingredient, pork belly, and is also rich in calories. It provides significant amounts of B vitamins, iron, and zinc, but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 48 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 3.2 mg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 290 mg |
| Choline | 75 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The unique 'hairy' texture of the skin is achieved through a specific frying and cooling process, which is a hallmark of Hakka culinary technique. Nutritionally, the slow braising process helps to break down collagen in the pork, making it tender and potentially easier to digest despite its rich composition.
