3 Ways to Cook Pork Belly (With Easy Recipes)

Pork belly is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that’s loved for its rich layers of fat and tender texture. Whether you crave crispy crackling, fall-apart tenderness, or deep, savory flavors, there’s a cooking method for you. Here are three delicious ways to cook pork belly at home, each with a simple recipe to follow.

1. Crispy Roasted Pork Belly

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly (skin on)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Using a sharp knife, score the pork belly skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Rub the meat side with pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Generously rub salt onto the skin side.
4. Place the pork belly on a wire rack over a roasting tray.
5. Roast at 220°C for 30 minutes to crisp up the skin.
6. Reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and continue roasting for another 1.5 hours until the meat is tender and the skin is golden and crunchy.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving suggestion: Serve with roasted vegetables or a tangy apple slaw.

2. Braised Pork Belly (Asian Style)

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly, cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (optional for color)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise
• 500 ml chicken stock or water

Method:

1. In a large pan, sear the pork belly pieces until browned on all sides.
2. Transfer the pork to a large pot.
3. Add soy sauces, sugar, garlic, ginger, star anise, and chicken stock (or water).
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours until the pork is tender and infused with flavor.
6. Remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.

Serving suggestion: Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions.

3. Slow-Cooked Pork Belly

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly, sliced into thick pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 200 ml chicken stock

Method:

1. Place pork belly pieces into a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, pepper, thyme, and chicken stock. Pour over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the pork is tender and juicy.
4. For crispy edges, transfer the cooked pork to a baking tray and place under a hot grill (broiler) for 5-8 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Serving suggestion: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed greens.

These three cooking methods bring out the best in pork belly, whether you prefer it crispy, tender, or slow-cooked and full of flavor. Experiment with these recipes and enjoy restaurant-quality pork belly right from your own kitchen.