10+ Pork Belly Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that can elevate your dishes to new heights. Whether you’re looking for crispy, savory bites or tender braised goodness, there’s a pork belly recipe just waiting for you to try. This delicious ingredient is favored in many cuisines around the world, making it a great option for exploring different flavors and cooking techniques.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of pork belly recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From easy weeknight dinners to impressive meals for gatherings, you’ll find inspiration for your next culinary adventure. Get ready to enjoy the richness and flavor that pork belly brings to your table!

1) Slow-Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

Slow-roasted crispy pork belly is a delicious dish that you can easily make at home. It combines tender meat with a crunchy, golden top. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.

To begin, you’ll need a pork belly, salt, and your favorite spices. The key is to cook it slowly to make the meat juicy. The crackling skin will be your special treat.

You can serve this dish with sauces like apple sauce or a spicy dip. It pairs well with vegetables or rice too.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 pounds pork belly
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Optional spices (like paprika or cumin)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Score the skin of the pork belly.
3. Rub the salt and spices into the meat.
4. Place it in a roasting pan and cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours.
5. Increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C) and roast for an additional 30 minutes for crispy skin.
6. Let it rest before slicing and serve.

2) Juicy & Crispy Oven-Roasted Pork Belly

Oven-roasted pork belly can be delicious and satisfying. With a perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin, this dish is sure to impress.

To start, you need to season the pork belly well. Use salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Let it sit for a while to absorb the flavors.

Prepare your oven by preheating it to 425°F (220°C). Once ready, place the pork belly in a roasting pan.

Cook it for about 30 minutes to start creating a crispy top. Then, lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue to roast for another hour or so.

Check to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C). Let it rest before slicing for the best texture.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds pork belly
• Salt
• Pepper
• Herbs or spices (your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season pork belly with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Place in roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes.
4. Lower temperature to 325°F (160°C) and roast for an additional hour.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Let it rest before slicing.

3) Smoky Pork Belly Bites

Smoky pork belly bites are a delicious treat perfect for any gathering. They are tender, juicy, and pack a lot of flavor. You’ll love making these bites for your friends and family.

To get started, cut your pork belly into small cubes. Season them with your favorite spices for extra taste. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika and garlic powder.

Next, smoke the pork belly pieces at 250°F (120°C) for about 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking method will give your bites a rich, smoky taste.

Once done, you can toss them in a barbecue sauce or enjoy them plain. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork belly
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: barbecue sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
2. Cut pork belly into 1-inch cubes.
3. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place pork belly on the smoker rack.
5. Smoke for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
6. Optional: toss in barbecue sauce before serving.

4) Sticky Chinese Pork Belly

Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a delicious dish that’s both sweet and savory. The pork becomes tender and flavorful through slow cooking, making it perfect for a meal with rice or noodles.

To begin, you will need pork belly, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and some sugar to create that sticky glaze. These ingredients come together to give the dish its rich flavor.

Start by slicing the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in a pot until it’s nicely browned. Then, add the other ingredients and let it simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds pork belly
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut pork belly into 1.5-inch pieces.
2. In a pot, brown the pork belly on medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours (about 160°C).
5. Cook until the sauce is sticky and the pork is tender.

5) Grilled Pork Belly with BBQ Flavors

Grilled pork belly is a delicious way to enjoy this cut of meat. The smoky flavors from the grill combined with a sweet BBQ sauce make it irresistible. This recipe brings out the natural richness of pork belly.

Start by seasoning your pork belly with a dry rub of your choice. You can use salt, pepper, and any spices you like. Let it sit for a while to absorb the flavors.

Next, grill the pork belly over low heat. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for tender meat. During the last few minutes, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 piece of pork belly (about 5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork belly with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the grill to low heat.
3. Place the pork belly on the grill.
4. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
5. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.

6) Classic Korean Bossam

Classic Korean Bossam features tender boiled pork belly served with fresh cabbage wraps. It’s a delicious meal that combines flavors and textures in each bite. The pork is cooked until it’s soft and easily sliced.

To prepare Bossam, you will need simple ingredients, including pork belly, which is usually boiled in a flavorful brine. This method helps enhance the taste, making the meat juicy and savory.

Pair your Bossam with kimchi and dipping sauces for added flavor. Wrap the pork in the cabbage leaves, add some seasoning, and enjoy this traditional dish.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly
• 1 onion, quartered
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches)
• 1 head of napa cabbage
• Kimchi

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add the pork belly, onion, garlic, and ginger.
3. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours at 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C), until tender.
4. Slice the pork and serve with cabbage and kimchi.

7) Savory Thai Fried Pork Belly

Savory Thai fried pork belly, known as Moo Krob, is a delicious dish. It features crispy skin with tender meat beneath. This dish is perfect for serving with rice and veggies.

To make it, choose pork belly with good fat content. The double frying method gives it that satisfying crunch. You can add your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.

Using simple ingredients makes this dish accessible. You’ll enjoy the mix of textures and the rich taste. It’s quick to cook and impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) pork belly
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: garlic powder, soy sauce, or chili

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
4. Fry the pork belly until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

8) Crispy Pork Belly in Steamed Buns

Crispy pork belly in steamed buns is a delightful dish that you can easily make at home. The combination of tender pork and soft buns is hard to resist.

To start, you’ll want to choose quality pork belly. Cook it until the skin is crispy, which adds a wonderful texture.

Next, prepare some steamed buns. You can buy these frozen or make them from scratch. Fill the buns with the crispy pork belly and add your favorite toppings.

Consider adding pickled vegetables and fresh herbs for extra flavor. This will elevate your dish and add a nice crunch.

Enjoy your homemade crispy pork belly buns as a fun meal or snack!

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork belly, skin on
• 1 pack of frozen steamed buns
• Salt for scoring the skin
• Pickled vegetables (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Score the skin of the pork belly and season with salt.
3. Roast the pork belly for about 1 hour, until golden brown.
4. Steam the buns according to package instructions.
5. Slice the crispy pork belly and fill the buns.
6. Add toppings like pickled vegetables and herbs. Enjoy!

9) Oven-Cooked Sticky Grilled Pork Belly

Oven-cooked sticky grilled pork belly is a delightful dish you can prepare at home. Its sweet and savory glaze makes it a favorite for many.

To start, you’ll want to slice your pork belly into manageable strips. This helps the meat cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors.

A mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a tasty marinade. Let the pork belly soak in this blend for at least an hour for the best results.

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pork strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25-30 minutes.

The result will be tender, sticky, and full of flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the pork belly into strips.
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a bowl.
3. Marinate the pork belly for at least one hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place pork on a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until sticky and golden.

10) Taiwanese Gua Bao with Pork Belly

Gua Bao is a popular Taiwanese dish that features tender pork belly wrapped in fluffy bao buns. It’s a delightful treat that you can easily make at home.

To start, prepare the pork belly by braising it until it’s soft and flavorful. The buns should be steamed to perfection, creating a light texture.

You can add pickled vegetables and crushed peanuts for extra flavor and crunch. This dish is perfect for enjoying as a snack or as part of a meal with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) pork belly
• 4 bao buns
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pickled mustard greens
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed peanuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut pork belly into pieces.
2. In a pot, combine pork belly, chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar. Then, simmer for 1.5 hours.
3. Steam the bao buns for about 10 minutes.
4. Assemble the buns. Add pork belly, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Then, enjoy!