Directions

1. 1. Heat 3 quarts of water in a saucepan and add the salt, sugar and pink salt. Stir to combine and continue heating until everything is melted. Remove from the heat and add back the remaining 9 quarts of cool water. Once the brine is fully cooled, pour over the pork belly to fully submerge. Brine overnight, but for no more than 24 hours.
2. 2. Preheat an oven to 275°F. Set the onions and ginger over a low flame and char until the skins are completely blackened. Remove from the heat and when cool enough handle, slice the onion into rough chunks. Split the ginger lengthwise to expose the inner flesh and slice into 1-inch pieces.
3. 3. Toast the star anise and cinnamon sticks in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant.