In the heart of my kitchen, the sizzling sound of pork belly hitting a hot pan is almost like music. There’s something magical about cooking this delicious pork belly slices recipe that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration. With only a handful of ingredients and no marinating required, you can whip up this quick and easy dish that’s both creamy and savory—a perfect weeknight dinner for anyone tired of fast food. Each bite balances rich, hearty flavors with a delightful crunch, making it incredibly versatile whether enjoyed with rice, nestled in a sandwich, or tucked into a bao. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure together!
Why Is This Pork Belly Recipe Irresistible?
Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal effort with no marinating needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: With the rich taste of pork belly paired with soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, each bite is a savory delight.
Versatility: Enjoy these slices over steamed rice, in a sandwich, or even in a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!
Quick Cooking: You can have this dish ready in under an hour—ideal for those moments when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet without the fuss. After trying this, you might also want to explore recipes like Sweet Caramelized Pork for another delicious option!
Delicious Pork Belly Slices Recipe
Get ready to amaze your taste buds with this dish!
For the Pork Belly
- Pork Belly (500g) – Slice it to around 0.5 cm thick for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Oil (1 tablespoon) – Use any neutral oil to achieve that perfect golden crust.
For the Sauce
- Soy Sauce (1.5 tablespoons) – This ingredient brings a savory depth; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Rice Wine (3 tablespoons) – Adds complexity to the sauce; can be swapped with white wine or omitted if unavailable.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon) – To balance the savory, use brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Ginger (3-4 slices) – Offers aromatic warmth; fresh is best but powdered can be a quick substitute.
- Water (1.5 cups) – This keeps the pork moist; adjust as needed during cooking.
With just these simple ingredients, you’ll create a delicious pork belly slices recipe that will delight your family or guests. Enjoy cooking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Pork Belly Slices Recipe
Step 1: Pan-Fry the Pork Belly
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the pork belly slices, ensuring they are in a single layer. Fry the slices for about 5-7 minutes on one side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Flip them and fry for another 5 minutes or until both sides are beautifully crisp and browned.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
After the pork belly is golden, reduce the heat to low and add 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice wine, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pan. Layer in 3-4 slices of fresh ginger, and pour in 1.5 cups of water, stirring to combine. This sauce will infuse the pork belly with delicious flavors as it simmers.
Step 3: Simmer for Tenderness
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture simmer on low to medium heat for 20-50 minutes, depending on your desired tenderness. The longer you simmer, the more tender the pork belly will be. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding a little more water if necessary to prevent drying out.
Step 4: Caramelize the Sauce
Once the pork belly has reached your preferred tenderness, remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch as the sauce evaporates and thickens, creating a rich glaze that coats the pork slices evenly. You’ll know it’s done when the pork belly is beautifully glazed and caramelized.
Step 5: Serve Your Delicious Pork Belly Slices
Once caramelized, remove the pan from heat. Let it cool for a minute before transferring the delicious pork belly slices to a serving platter. This dish is perfect over steamed rice or in a sandwich, bringing a burst of flavor to any meal. Enjoy the delightful crunch and rich flavor of your homemade pork belly slices!
Expert Tips for Delicious Pork Belly Slices Recipe
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Slice Thickness Matters: Keep your pork belly slices at 0.5 cm thick. Thicker cuts require longer cooking times and may not reach that ideal tenderness.
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Simmering Time: For melt-in-your-mouth texture, adjust your simmering time. The longer you simmer, the more tender and flavorful your delicious pork belly slices will be.
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Watch the Sauce: If the sauce reduces too quickly during cooking, don’t hesitate to add small amounts of water. This will help maintain the right consistency for an enjoyable glaze.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to enhance your pork belly with additional ingredients like oyster sauce, chili powder, or garlic for even more depth of flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Get creative with how you serve your pork belly slices. While rice is a classic, they can shine in a sandwich or even tossed in a salad for a fresh twist.
Delicious Pork Belly Slices Recipe Variations
Feel free to take this delicious pork belly slices recipe and make it your own! A dash of creativity can elevate your dish to a new level of deliciousness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari to keep the savory depth while ensuring it’s gluten-free. Everyone can enjoy this delight!
- Sweet & Spicy: Add oyster sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet heat that will wake up your taste buds. A little spice goes a long way in this dish!
- Fresh Herbal Lift: Stir in a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions right before serving for a pop of color and flavor. This bright addition can take your dish to the next level!
- Crispy Twist: Finish with a quick broil in the oven briefly after caramelizing for an extra crispy edge that contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat. It’s a delectable crash of textures!
- Creamy Sauce: Blend in a splash of coconut milk towards the end for a richer, creamier sauce that adds a lovely tropical twist. Your taste buds will thank you for this indulgent variation!
- Pasta Delight: Serve your pork belly slices tossed with cooked pasta and a bit of the sauce for a delightful fusion dish that your family will adore. Who said pasta couldn’t be hearty and savory?
- Chilled Salad: Let it cool down, then slice and toss the pork belly with fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad. This transforms the dish into an elegant meal!
- Bao Buns: Stuff the slices into steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce for a delicious bite-sized treat. These little bundles of joy will become a new family favorite!
After you’ve tried these variations, consider pairing your pork belly with sides like steamed vegetables or a refreshing slaw. And if you’re eager for more culinary inspiration, check out my recipes for Cider Braised Pork or Pork Tenderloin Dijon for delightful dinner ideas!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious pork belly slices are perfect for meal prep! You can slice the pork belly and prepare the sauce (soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, ginger, and water) up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Simply refrigerate the sliced pork belly and the prepared sauce in airtight containers. When you’re ready to cook, heat the oil, pan-fry the slices, then add the sauce and simmer until tender. This will save you valuable time on busy weeknights while ensuring the dish is just as delicious as when made fresh! Enjoy a flavorful homemade meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Quick and Easy Glazed Pork Belly Slices
Elevate your culinary creation with delightful accompaniments that will enhance every savory bite.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, balancing the pork’s savory depth with its delicate texture.
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Asian Slaw: Crisp and refreshing, this colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds a crunchy contrast, making each mouthful irresistible.
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Roasted Broccoli: This slightly charred veggie is the perfect companion, its tender bites inviting an explosion of flavors when paired with the pork’s richness.
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Pickled Vegetables: A tangy addition brings brightness to your plate, cutting through the pork’s richness and adding an extra layer of flavor.
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Garlic Noodles: Soft, buttery noodles tossed in savory sauce create a comforting bed for your pork belly, making every bite a delightful experience.
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Cool Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, a simple cucumber salad adds a crisp texture that complements the tender, juicy pork while providing a refreshing burst.
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Chilled Sake: This smooth Japanese rice wine enhances the dining experience and brings a touch of authenticity to your meal without overwhelming the palate.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finale, this classic dessert’s creamy texture and subtle sweetness pair perfectly, wrapping up your flavor journey on a high note.
Storage Tips for Delicious Pork Belly Slices
Fridge: Store leftover pork belly slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: You can freeze the pork belly slices for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave on low power, checking frequently.
Make-Ahead: This delicious pork belly slices recipe can be made ahead and frozen, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal!
Delicious Pork Belly Slices Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pork belly?
Absolutely! When choosing pork belly, look for meat with a good balance of fat and meat. Ideally, the skin should be smooth, free of dark spots, and have a pale pink color. I recommend asking your butcher for a cut around 0.5 cm thick, as this will make for the most tender bites.
What is the best way to store leftover pork belly slices?
For optimal flavor and freshness, store your leftover delicious pork belly slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze pork belly slices?
Indeed, you can! To freeze your cooked pork belly slices, allow them to cool completely first. Then, stack the slices with a small piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming them in a pan over low heat.
What should I do if my pork belly is too tough?
If you find that your pork belly slices are tough, don’t worry—there’s a solution! You can simmer them longer. Simply put them back in the pan with a bit more liquid and let them cook on low heat until they become tender. This might take an additional 20-30 minutes, but it’s worth the wait for the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Are there any dietary considerations with pork belly?
Very! Pork belly is high in fat, making it a rich protein source. If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, ensure they don’t have allergies to pork. You can also try substituting tamari for the soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
What’s the best method for reheating frozen pork belly slices?
To get the best results when reheating frozen pork belly slices, I recommend using a steaming method. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave on low power, checking every minute to ensure they are warmed properly without drying out.
Delicious Pork Belly Slices Recipe for Quick Flavor Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the pork belly slices, ensuring they are in a single layer. Fry the slices for about 5-7 minutes on one side until they turn a lovely golden brown. Flip them and fry for another 5 minutes or until both sides are beautifully crisp and browned.
- After the pork belly is golden, reduce the heat to low and add 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of rice wine, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pan. Layer in 3-4 slices of fresh ginger, and pour in 1.5 cups of water, stirring to combine. This sauce will infuse the pork belly with delicious flavors as it simmers.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture simmer on low to medium heat for 20-50 minutes, depending on your desired tenderness. The longer you simmer, the more tender the pork belly will be. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding a little more water if necessary to prevent drying out.
- Once the pork belly has reached your preferred tenderness, remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch as the sauce evaporates and thickens, creating a rich glaze that coats the pork slices evenly. You’ll know it’s done when the pork belly is beautifully glazed and caramelized.
- Once caramelized, remove the pan from heat. Let it cool for a minute before transferring the delicious pork belly slices to a serving platter. This dish is perfect over steamed rice or in a sandwich, bringing a burst of flavor to any meal. Enjoy the delightful crunch and rich flavor of your homemade pork belly slices!
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