Crispy Pork Belly with Honey Garlic Glaze

Introduction

Pork belly is a rich and flavorful cut that, when cooked properly, delivers a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat. This recipe combines slow roasting with a honey garlic glaze to create a dish that's both succulent and full of flavor. It's a great centerpiece for a special dinner or a satisfying comfort food dish.

This is another one of those dishes perfect for an all-day grilling day. Put the pork belly on the grill while you're grilling lunch and just keep an eye on it once in a while. It'll be perfect by dinner time!

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 2-3 lbs pork belly, skin-on
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional, for an aromatic touch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Sides:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Stir-fried bok choy
• Pickled vegetables (like carrots, radishes, and cucumbers)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). If using an Arteflame grill, set it up for indirect cooking, maintaining a temperature around 300°F.

2. Prepare the Pork Belly

Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels, which will help the skin crisp up. Rub the pork belly all over with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Chinese five-spice powder, if using.

3. Roast the Pork Belly

Place the seasoned pork belly on a roasting rack in a baking dish, skin side up. Roast in the preheated oven or on the grill for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is starting to crisp up.

4. Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze

While the pork belly is roasting, prepare the honey garlic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Crisp the Skin

After the pork belly has finished roasting, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or move the pork belly directly over the heat source on the grill. Roast or grill for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Glaze the Pork Belly

Once the skin is crispy, remove the pork belly from the oven or grill and brush generously with the honey garlic glaze. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pork belly into thick pieces and serve with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried bok choy, and pickled vegetables. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and the sweet, tangy glaze is irresistible.

Tips for the Best Results

• Crispy Skin: Ensure the pork belly skin is as dry as possible before roasting to achieve that perfect crackling. Scoring the skin helps it crisp up evenly.
• Resting Time: Allow the pork belly to rest after glazing to let the juices redistribute and the flavors meld.
• Glaze Variations: Try adding a splash of hoisin sauce or a touch of ginger to the glaze for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

1. Asian BBQ Pork Belly: Replace the honey garlic glaze with a hoisin-based BBQ sauce and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
2. Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze: Use apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to create a tangy, sweet glaze that pairs well with the richness of the pork.
3. Maple Bourbon Pork Belly: Add maple syrup and a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a smoky, sweet flavor.
4. Pork Belly Banh Mi: Serve the pork belly in a baguette with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
5. Spicy Szechuan Pork Belly: Add Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil to the glaze for a spicy, numbing twist.

Best Pairings

• Drink: A cold, crisp beer like a pilsner or a light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir pairs well with the richness of pork belly.
• Side Dish: A fresh, crunchy slaw or a simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Dessert: A refreshing fruit sorbet or a light citrus tart to cleanse the palate.

Conclusion

Crispy pork belly is a luxurious dish that balances rich, tender meat with a satisfying crunch. The honey garlic glaze adds a sweet and savory element that complements the pork perfectly. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress.