Hello, Foodie! Are you tired of the same old recipes and looking to try something new? Belly pork is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. In this article, we will share some easy and flavorful recipes that will surely make your taste buds dance. So, let’s get started!
1. Crispy Pork Belly
Who doesn’t love crispy pork belly? This recipe will give you that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pork belly, skin-on
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. Chinese five-spice powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Score the pork belly skin with a sharp knife, making diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart.
- Mix together the salt and five-spice powder in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to get it into the cuts in the skin.
- Place the pork belly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin-side up.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and continue baking for another hour or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
- Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Braised Pork Belly
Braising is a cooking technique that involves cooking the meat slowly in liquid until it is tender and flavorful. This recipe for braised pork belly is both easy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pork belly, skin-on
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 star anise
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut the pork belly into 2-inch pieces.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and star anise to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pork belly to the pot, skin-side up.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.
- Braise for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board.
- Simmer the liquid in the pot until it is reduced by half.
- Serve the pork belly with the reduced sauce.
3. Grilled Pork Belly Skewers
Grilling is a great way to cook pork belly, especially when you skewer it and add some flavorful marinade. These grilled pork belly skewers are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pork belly, skin-off, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions:
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Add the pork belly cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Thread the pork belly cubes onto the skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until charred and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
4. Pork Belly Tacos
Tacos are a great way to enjoy pork belly, and this recipe puts a flavorful twist on the classic taco.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pork belly, skin-off
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Toss the pork belly cubes in the spice mixture until well coated.
- Place the pork belly cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
- Warm the corn tortillas in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a few cubes of pork belly on each tortilla, then topping with sliced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Pork Belly Ramen
One of the most popular ways to enjoy pork belly is in a steaming bowl of ramen. This recipe is easy to make at home and will satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pork belly, skin-off
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. mirin
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 4 soft boiled eggs
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork belly cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and black pepper and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Divide the cooked noodles between four bowls.
- Ladle the pork belly and broth over the noodles.
- Top each bowl with a soft boiled egg, sliced green onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and cilantro.
Hello Foodie! We hope you enjoyed these easy and flavorful pork belly recipes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of ramen or a fun barbecue skewer, pork belly is a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Be sure to try out these recipes and let us know which one is your favorite!