Succulent Roast Pork Belly: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

1.5 kg pork belly
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 cup of chicken broth
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of white sugar
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
4 sprigs of fresh thyme

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
Using a sharp knife, score the skin side of the pork belly in a criss-cross pattern.
Season the pork belly all over with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly, skin side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Flip the pork belly over and add the garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar into the skillet, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Add the rosemary and thyme sprigs to the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and cooked through.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Sharp knife - Needed to score the pork belly skin and for general cutting purposes.
Ovenproof skillet - A skillet that can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven. Used for browning the pork belly and transferring it to the oven.
Large cutting board - Provides a stable surface for preparing and slicing the pork belly.
Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and other ingredients.
Oven mitts - Essential for handling the hot skillet when transferring it in and out of the oven.
Spatula - Helps to flip the pork belly and move it around in the skillet.
Tongs - Useful for handling the hot pork belly and flipping it during cooking.
Basting brush - Optional, but can be used to brush the marinade over the pork belly during roasting.

Recipe variations

Marinate the pork belly overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic for added flavor.
Add a spicy kick by incorporating chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade or glaze.
Create a crispy crust by coating the scored skin with a mixture of cornstarch and salt before searing.
For a sweet and savory twist, brush the pork belly with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard during roasting.
Add some smokiness by seasoning the pork belly with smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Try a meat-free option by substituting the pork belly with thick slices of tofu or seitan, and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
For a different flavor profile, experiment with different herbs and spices such as cumin, coriander, or rosemary.
For a more Asian-inspired dish, replace the chicken broth and soy sauce with coconut milk and fish sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime.
For a healthier version, roast the pork belly on a wire rack to allow the excess fat to drip off.
Create a tangy glaze by combining balsamic vinegar and honey, and brushing it onto the pork belly during the final minutes of roasting.

Recipe overview

This deliciously flavourful pork belly recipe is a perfect centerpiece for a sumptuous dinner. The pork is seasoned with salt and pepper, seared to crispy perfection, and then slow-roasted with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth until it's tender and succulent. The result is a rich, flavorful dish with a delightful balance of textures, from the crunchy, salty crackling to the melt-in-your-mouth meat. The recipe is relatively simple to prepare but expect to budget a couple of hours for cooking to allow the pork belly to reach its full, delicious potential. Enjoy this pork belly as a main course, served alongside your favorite sides for a meal that is sure to impress your guests.

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly? Yes, you can use other cuts of pork like pork loin or pork shoulder, but the cooking time and texture may vary.
How can I achieve a crispy skin on the pork belly? Scoring the skin and cooking it in a hot skillet before roasting helps to achieve a crispy skin.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs? Yes, you can substitute fresh rosemary and thyme with dried herbs, but remember to use about half the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
What can I serve with pork belly? Pork belly goes well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. You can also serve it with steamed rice or crusty bread.
How do I store leftover pork belly? Allow the pork belly to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Knife - A sharp knife is needed for scoring the skin of the pork belly.
Skillet - A large ovenproof skillet is used for browning the pork belly and cooking the onions and garlic.
Oven - The oven is necessary for roasting the pork belly to perfection.
Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board is needed for slicing the cooked pork belly.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping the pork belly and handling it while cooking.
Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required for accurately measuring the salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sugar.
Oven mitts - Oven mitts are essential for safely handling the hot skillet when removing it from the oven.
Serving platter - A serving platter is needed for presenting the sliced pork belly.

Origin stories

Pork belly is an esteemed dish in many cultures worldwide, but it holds a special place in Chinese cuisine, where it has been consumed for centuries. Chinese-style pork belly, known as Dongpo pork, is named after the famed poet Su Dongpo. Legend says that Su Dongpo, during his banishment, created the dish by accident when he was interrupted while cooking and left his pork belly simmering for hours. Upon his return, he discovered the pork belly had transformed into a tender, succulent dish. Today, this slow-cooked, caramelized pork belly continues to be a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and tender texture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.