Pork Belly Recipe

Pork belly recipe —a cut of meat that’s both indulgent and tender—has been savored across cultures for centuries. From its origins in China to its presence on modern menus, pork belly has become a beloved culinary delight. In this recipe, we slow-roast pork belly to perfection, achieving juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat and the most incredible crispy crackling. Let’s dive into the details!

Brief History and Origin:

Pork belly, as the name suggests, comes from the belly of a pig. It’s richly marbled, making it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts. While it’s often associated with bacon, pork belly has a distinct flavor profile that shines when slow-cooked. Its roots trace back to China, where braised and roasted pork belly dishes have been enjoyed for generations.

Pork Belly Recipe

Pinklady

Pork belly—a cut of meat that’s both indulgent and tender—has been savored across cultures for centuries. From its origins in China to its presence on modern menus, pork belly has become a beloved culinary delight. 

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 1313 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer: The star of this recipe.
• Mixing bowl: For combining seasonings.
• Sharp knife: To cut the pork belly.
• Cutting board: For prep work.

Ingredients

  

• 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) pork belly: Skin-on or skin-off, both work well.
• 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil: For a touch of richness.
• ½ teaspoon fennel powder (ground fennel seeds): Optional but adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon salt (cooking/kosher salt): To enhance flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of warmth.
• Apple sauce, vermouth jus, or cauliflower puree (optional, for serving)

See also  Delicious And Easy Vegetable Curry Recipe

Instructions

 

• Prep the Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into 2 x 2-inch pieces. Remember, they’ll shrink during cooking.
• Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
• Toss the pork belly in the seasoning mix until well-coated.
• Air Fryer Magic: Place the seasoned pork belly in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; leave space for air circulation.
• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• The result? Crispy, caramelized pork belly with tender meat inside.

Video

Keyword Pork Belly Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Chinese Crispy Pork Belly: Achieve the best crackling with Chinese flavors1.
– Sticky Chinese Pork Belly: Simmered in ginger, garlic, and rice wine2.
– Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites: Salty, smoky, and caramelly goodness3.
– Roast Pork Belly in the Oven: Slow-roasted to perfection4.
– Crispy Golden Pork Belly: A simple yet irresistible recipe5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pork Belly Recipe:

1. Can I use skin-on or skin-off pork belly?

Both work! Choose your preference.

2. Why not score the skin?

Scoring can lead to uneven crackling. We want perfection!

3. How do I achieve tender, sliceable meat?

Slow cooking at low temperature and using foil for a confit effect.

4. What’s the secret to perfect crackling?

Level the skin for even heat distribution.

5. Can I serve it with vermouth jus or apple sauce?

Absolutely! Get creative with your sides.

6. Is pork belly gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.

7. What wine pairs well with pork belly?

Try a Pinot Noir or a bold Zinfandel.

8. Can I freeze leftover pork belly?

Yes, but it may lose some crispiness.

9. Can I use pork belly in sandwiches?

Definitely! Think sliders with slaw.

Summary:

Ready to savor crispy pork belly? Get cooking!
Remember, this recipe is all about achieving the perfect balance of crispy crackling and tender meat. So grab your air fryer, embrace the flavors, and enjoy every bite! 🍽️

YouTube Video Credits:
Kitchen Sanctuary