What Is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a flavorful, boneless, fatty cut of meat from the belly of the pig, known for its rich, meaty taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture, topped with crispy skin (similar to pork rinds). Unlike bacon, which comes from the same cut, pork belly recipes aren’t cured or smoked, and are typically served in thicker, unsliced portions. It’s a versatile ingredient in global cuisines, including Chinese, Hispanic, Danish, Norwegian, Korean, Thai, and Filipino cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to season pork belly, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Pork Belly – I can’t always find it at the grocery store, but it’s readily available at butcher shops, specialty meat stores, and Asian markets. Select cuts with uniform thickness for even cooking. Avocado Oil – This gets your baked pork belly recipe nice and crispy. You can also use olive oil or any heat-safe cooking oil. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I prefer sea salt, but kosher salt also works.
How To Cook Pork Belly
This section shows how to make crispy pork belly, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. The only thing you really need to season pork belly is salt and pepper! Of course, feel free to branch out. These seasonings are also delicious and common in pork belly recipes:
Garlic powder Onion powder Brown sugar (or Besti Brown natural sweetener!) Smoked paprika Cayenne pepper Chinese five spice – One of the most popular options Cajun seasoning – Separate from the spices above
Storage Tips
Store: Crispy pork belly has the best texture when it’s fresh, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat: Reheat in a hot skillet, or in the oven at 400 degrees F. Freeze: Slice and store in a freezer container or zip lock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Crispy Pork Belly
You can serve pork belly as a breakfast meat, like bacon, or as a main protein dish with a side. There are so many options! Here are some of my favorite ways:
Veggies – Try serving this pork belly recipe with roasted asparagus, simple stir fry veggies, or sauteed zucchini. I also like it with sauteed spinach to balance the richness of the pork. Rice – Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Salad – Make a lighter meal with a creamy radish salad, an Asian-inspired cabbage salad, or a smashed cucumber salad. Sandwich – Stuff pork belly in between two slices of your favorite bread with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a lettuce leaf for any easy sandwich. Pork Belly Tacos – Slice into bites or thin strips, and serve in warm tortillas with your choice of toppings, like fresh salsa, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Eggs – Whip up a special breakfast or brunch with a spinach quiche, customizable egg muffin cups, or simply hard boiled eggs.
More Flavorful Pork Recipes
Craving more tasty pork dishes? These other flavorful pork recipes focus on big flavors and easy cooking: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
