Pork belly is a tasty cut of meat that can be used in many different dishes. It’s known for being rich and flavorful.

When cooked right, pork belly can be both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

You can find lots of great pork belly recipes to try at home. Some recipes are quick and easy, while others take more time to make.

There are options for all kinds of meals, from simple weeknight dinners to special treats for guests. Trying new pork belly recipes can help you add variety to your cooking.

1. Crispy Honey Glazed Pork Belly

Crispy honey glazed pork belly is a mouthwatering dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. To make it, you’ll need pork belly, honey, soy sauce, and spices like garlic powder and paprika.

Start by scoring the skin of the pork belly and rubbing it with spices.

Roast it in the oven at a low temperature for about 2 hours to make the meat tender.

For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps create that irresistible crackling texture.

While the pork cooks, prepare a glaze using honey, soy sauce, and a touch of mustard. Brush this mixture over the pork belly during the final cooking stage.

The result is juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior and a sweet, sticky glaze. Slice and serve as an appetizer or main course.

2. Maple Balsamic Pork Belly

You’ll love this sweet and tangy pork belly dish. Start by searing cubes of pork belly until golden brown.

Next, make a glaze with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Pour this over the pork and toss to coat.

Bake the pork belly at a low temperature until tender. The maple and balsamic flavors will caramelize, creating a delicious sticky glaze.

Serve your maple balsamic pork belly as an appetizer or main dish. The rich, flavorful meat pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

3. Slow-Cooked Garlic Pork Belly

Slow-cooked garlic pork belly is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You start by chopping garlic and mixing it with herbs and spices. Rub this mixture on the pork belly.

Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker. Add some white wine for extra flavor.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.

The slow cooking process lets the garlic flavor soak into the pork. It also makes the meat very soft. When done, the pork belly will be juicy and full of flavor.

You can serve this dish with potatoes and onions for a filling meal. The leftovers taste great too.

4. Korean BBQ Pork Belly

Korean BBQ pork belly is a tasty dish you can easily make at home. It’s known as samgyeopsal-gui in Korean.

To prepare it, you’ll need thin slices of pork belly, about 0.5 to 1 cm thick. You can find these at Korean grocery stores or ask your local butcher to cut them for you.

The pork is often grilled without marinade, letting its natural flavors shine. You can serve it with various side dishes like green onion salad and dipping sauces.

For extra flavor, try marinating the pork in a mix of gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil before grilling. This adds a spicy and savory kick to the meat.

Grill the pork belly until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves with your favorite toppings.

5. Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Pork Belly

This tasty dish combines the rich flavor of pork belly with the spicy kick of sriracha sauce. To make it, you’ll need pork belly, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic.

Start by scoring the fat side of the pork belly in a diamond pattern.

Mix the sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to create a flavorful marinade.

Coat the pork belly with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then cook it in a smoker or oven until tender and caramelized.

The result is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavors that perfectly complement the rich pork belly. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a satisfying meal.

6. Herb-Crusted Pork Belly Roulade

This dish combines the richness of pork belly with fragrant herbs. You’ll start by butterflying the pork belly, creating a flat surface for the herbs.

Mix chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage with garlic and lemon zest. Spread this blend over the pork belly. Roll the meat tightly, securing it with kitchen twine.

Roast the roulade at a high temperature first to crisp the skin. Then lower the heat and cook slowly until the meat is tender. Let it rest before slicing.

The result is a juicy pork roll with a crispy exterior and herb-infused interior. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

7. Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly

You’ll love this classic Vietnamese dish called thịt kho tàu. It features tender pork belly cooked in a savory-sweet caramel sauce.

To make it, you start by caramelizing sugar in a pot. Then add chunks of pork belly and cook until the meat absorbs the rich color and flavor.

Fish sauce, coconut water, and spices like garlic and shallots give the dish its distinct taste. Some versions include hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and flavor.

This comforting meal is often enjoyed with steamed rice. It’s a staple in many Vietnamese homes and a must-have during Lunar New Year celebrations.

8. Apple Cider Braised Pork Belly

Apple cider braised pork belly is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love how the meat becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.

To make this recipe, you’ll need pork belly, apple cider, onions, and spices. Cut the pork belly into thick pieces and season them with salt and pepper.

Place the pork in a Dutch oven with onions, garlic, and apples. Pour apple cider and stock over the meat. Cover and cook in the oven for 2-3 hours.

The result is melt-in-your-mouth pork with a rich apple cider sauce. Serve it hot, spooning the sauce over the top. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.

9. Sticky Soy and Ginger Pork Belly

This dish combines sweet and savory flavors for a mouthwatering meal. You’ll love the tender pork belly coated in a sticky glaze.

Start by slow-cooking pork belly chunks in chicken stock with onion, ginger, and garlic. This makes the meat incredibly soft.

For the glaze, mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and grated ginger.

Brush this over the cooked pork and broil until it’s caramelized and sticky.

Serve your sticky soy and ginger pork belly over fluffy rice. The rich, glazed meat pairs perfectly with the mild grains.

10. Miso Marinated Pork Belly Bites

Miso marinated pork belly bites offer a tasty twist on traditional pork dishes. You’ll love how the miso paste infuses the meat with rich, savory flavors.

To make these bites, cut pork belly into small cubes. Mix miso paste with mirin, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for the marinade. Let the pork soak up these flavors for at least 2 hours.

Cook the marinated pork belly in a hot pan until crispy and golden. The miso helps create a delicious crust while keeping the inside tender.

Serve these bites as an appetizer or add them to stir-fries and salads for extra flavor.

11. Smoky Bourbon Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Pork belly burnt ends are a tasty treat for BBQ lovers. To make them, you’ll smoke cubes of pork belly until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The magic happens when you coat them in a bourbon BBQ sauce. Mix bourbon, orange juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, and ketchup to create a sweet and tangy glaze.

Toss the smoked pork belly cubes in the sauce and return them to the smoker. This extra step caramelizes the outside, giving you rich, smoky bites of pork candy.

Serve these burnt ends as an appetizer or main dish. They’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout or family dinner.

12. Pork Belly Tacos with Mango Salsa

Pork belly tacos offer a delicious twist on a classic Mexican dish. To make them, you’ll need pork belly, taco tortillas, and a vibrant mango salsa.

Start by seasoning the pork belly with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Roast it in the oven until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

While the pork cooks, prepare a fresh mango salsa. Combine diced mango with other ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice.

Warm your tortillas in a dry pan. Slice the crispy pork belly into small pieces. Fill each taco with shredded cabbage, pork, and top with the mango salsa.

These tacos blend rich, crispy pork with sweet and tangy salsa for a tasty meal you’ll love.

13. Bone Broth Braised Pork Belly

Bone broth braised pork belly is a tasty dish that combines rich flavors. You’ll need pork belly, bone broth, and some spices.

Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes. Brown them in a pan over medium-high heat. This step adds flavor and color.

Pour bone broth into the pan, covering the pork. Add garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for extra taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.

Let it simmer for 2-3 hours. The pork will become tender and absorb the broth’s flavors. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

14. Chinese Five-Spice Roast Pork Belly

Chinese Five-Spice Roast Pork Belly is a tasty dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. The key to this recipe is the five-spice powder, which adds depth and complexity.

To make this dish, you’ll rub the pork belly with a mix of five-spice powder, salt, and garlic. Let it marinate in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roast the pork belly for about an hour, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

For extra flavor, you can baste the pork with a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and brown sugar during cooking. This creates a delicious glaze on the meat.

15. Crispy Pork Belly with Green Apple Salad

This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of crispy pork belly with the refreshing crunch of a green apple salad. To prepare the pork, rub salt into the skin and roast it in the oven until golden and crunchy.

While the pork cooks, make a simple salad using thinly sliced green apples, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette. The tartness of the apples cuts through the fattiness of the pork, creating a balanced meal.

Slice the crispy pork belly and serve it alongside the green apple salad. This pairing offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will please your taste buds.

16. Hoisin Glazed Pork Belly Sliders

Hoisin glazed pork belly sliders bring Cantonese flavors to a fun, handheld treat. Start with pre-cooked pork belly for tender, flavorful meat.

Mix hoisin sauce, chili flakes, soy sauce, honey, and spices for a sweet and savory glaze. Brush this over the pork belly before assembling your sliders.

Choose soft brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls as the base. Top with the glazed pork and add crunchy veggies like carrots, daikon radish, and green onions for contrast.

These sliders make great party food or game day snacks. The rich pork pairs perfectly with the sweet hoisin glaze and fresh toppings.

Nutritional Information

Pork belly is high in calories and fat. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving has about:

• Calories: 518
• Fat: 53 grams
• Protein: 9 grams
• Carbs: 0 grams

It’s not the healthiest cut of pork, but it’s okay to enjoy in small amounts. Pork belly is also rich in B vitamins and minerals like selenium and zinc.

You can make pork belly a bit healthier by trimming excess fat. Pair it with veggies and whole grains for a more balanced meal.

Cooking Methods for Pork Belly

Pork belly can be cooked in many ways to bring out its rich flavor and tender texture. You can slow roast it for melt-in-your-mouth results, grill it for a smoky taste, or braise it for a juicy bite.

Slow Roasting Techniques

Slow roasting pork belly creates tender meat with crispy skin.

Set your oven to 275°F (135°C). Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Rub salt and your favorite spices into the meat.

Place the pork belly skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

Cook for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. To crisp the skin, turn up the heat to 450°F (230°C) for 20-30 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the pan. You can also place vegetables like onions and carrots under the rack to catch the drippings.

Grilling Tips

Grilling pork belly gives it a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.

Start by cutting the pork belly into 1-inch thick slices. Pat them dry and season with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the slices for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Try brushing the slices with a sweet and spicy glaze in the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.

Braising Recommendations

Braising pork belly makes it incredibly tender and flavorful.

Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then brown in a hot pan with oil.

Remove the meat and add aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook until soft.

Return the pork to the pan and add liquid such as broth, soy sauce, or wine until it covers about 2/3 of the meat.

Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 2-3 hours. The meat should be fork-tender when done.

Serve the pork with the reduced braising liquid as a sauce. You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes in the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.