Pork Belly Recipes, Nutrition, and More

Pork belly is a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. This guide will teach you everything you need to know, from its nutritional value to its different cooking methods.

We will also share some of our favorite pork belly recipes, so you can get inspired to cook with this delicious ingredient. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide has something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more about pork belly and how to enjoy it to the fullest!

What is pork belly?

A pork belly is a cut of pork from the underside of the pig. It is a fatty cut of meat that is often cured, smoked, or roasted. Pork belly is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Chinese, Korean, and Filipino cuisine.

Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be roasted, braised, fried, or grilled. Pork belly is often used in stews and soups, and it can be used to make bacon.

Pork belly is a good source of protein and fat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6.

History of Pork Belly

Pork belly has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. It was first consumed in China, and then it spread to other parts of Asia. Pork belly became popular in the West in the mid-20th century, thanks to the popularity of Asian cuisine. Today, pork belly is a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes around the world. Read More

Nutritional Value of Pork Belly

Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat that is high in calories and fat, but it also contains some important nutrients. Pork belly is a good source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, and thiamin. It also contains some zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. However, it is important to note that is also high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health problems.

5 Best Pork Belly Recipes

1- Braised Pork Belly with Kimchi

This is a classic Korean dish that is made with braised pork belly, kimchi, and a variety of spices. The pork belly is slow-cooked until it is tender and flavorful, and the kimchi adds a sour and spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 (2–3 pound) piece of pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10.75 ounces) can of tomato soup
• 1 cup kimchi, drained and chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned on all sides.
4. Transfer to a large baking dish.
5. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and kimchi. Bring to a simmer.
7. Pour sauce over the pork belly.
8. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender.
9. Let the rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

2- Roasted Pork Belly with Crackling

This is a British classic that is made with roasted pork belly that has been scored to create a crispy skin. The pork belly is roasted until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the meat is tender and juicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 (2–3 pound) piece of pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in a preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
7. Continue to roast the pork belly for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
8. Let the rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

3- Grilled Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa

This is a tropical take on pork belly that is made with grilled pork belly, pineapple salsa, and a lime dressing. The pork belly is grilled until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the pineapple salsa adds a sweet and tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (2–3 pound) piece of pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

For the pineapple salsa:

• 1 cup pineapple, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the lime dressing:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until crispy on the outside and cooked through.
4. While the pork belly is grilling, make the pineapple salsa.
5. In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. To make the lime dressing, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve grilled pork belly with pineapple salsa and lime dressing.

4- Pork Belly Tacos

Pork belly tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a casual get-together or a more formal dinner party. The crispy, fatty pork belly is balanced by the acidity of the pickled vegetables and the freshness of the cilantro and lime.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (1.25 ounce) packet of taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions (optional)
• 12 corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Trim any excess fat from the pork belly.
3. Coat the pork belly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the pork belly in a roasting pan and roast for approximately 1 hour, or until the skin becomes crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
5. While the pork belly is in the oven, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Sauté the onion and garlic until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes.
7. Add the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
8. Take the pork belly out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. To assemble the tacos, spread a bit of the taco sauce on each tortilla and then add your desired toppings.

5- Smoked pork belly

Smoked pork belly is a delicious and flavorful dish that is made by smoking pork belly over a low heat. The smoke adds a smoky flavor, which is balanced by the fatty, juicy meat. Smoked pork belly can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, salads, and sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 (2–3 pounds) pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Trim any excess fat from the pork belly.
3. Score in a diamond pattern.
4. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly.
5. Place on a baking rack set inside a roasting pan.
6. Smoke the pork belly for 3–4 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
7. Let the rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Pork belly is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in many different ways. It is a good source of protein and fat, and it can be served in a variety of dishes. If you are looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal, pork belly is a great option.

FAQ’s

Q: What are the health benefits of pork belly?

A: A good source of protein and fat but high in calories.

Q: What is the difference between pork belly and bacon?

A: Pork belly is the uncured, unsmoked cut of meat from the underside of the pig. Bacon is pork belly that has been cured, smoked, and sliced.