Pork belly may seem like a fancy and complicated dish, but it’s actually quite easy to make.
This succulent cut of meat is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your meals, whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a dinner party with friends. With its crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, pork belly is a favorite among foodies all over the world.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up 36 easy pork belly recipes that will leave you drooling and daydreaming about dinner time. From classic Chinese pork belly to spicy Korean pork belly, these recipes are sure to impress.
36 Easy Pork Belly Recipes
1. Chinese Roast Pork Belly
This recipe is a classic in Chinese cuisine.
The pork belly is seasoned with five-spice powder, soy sauce, and honey, then roasted until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
2. Crispy Pork Belly Tacos
Loaded with flavor, these tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The pork belly is cooked until crispy, then sliced and served on warm tortillas with salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings.
3. Slow Roasted Pork Belly
Requiring patience, this recipe is well worth the wait. The pork belly is roasted at a low temperature for several hours until it’s tender and succulent.
4. Pork Belly Ramen
This rich and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
The pork belly is simmered in a flavorful broth alongside noodles and vegetables, then topped with soft-boiled eggs and green onions.
5. Pan-Fried Pork Belly
Quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight. The pork belly is sliced and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then served with sauteed vegetables.
6. Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Sticky Chinese Pork Belly is a delectable dish featuring pork belly braised in a sweet and savory sauce until caramelized and tender.
It’s a popular appetizer or main course, perfect for both special occasions and weeknight meals.
7. Spicy Korean Pork Belly
A favorite among fans of Korean cuisine. The pork belly is marinated in a spicy, sweet sauce, then grilled or pan-fried until crispy and delicious.
8. BBQ Pork Belly
Perfect for your next summer cookout. The pork belly is coated in a homemade BBQ sauce, then grilled until crispy and caramelized.
9. Pork Belly Bao Buns
These steamed buns are filled with tender pork belly and topped with fresh herbs and pickles. They’re perfect for a light lunch or a snack.
10. Pork Belly Burnt Ends
A spin on traditional beef burnt ends. The pork belly is seasoned with a dry rub, then smoked until crispy and tender.
11. Honey Sesame Pork Belly
Perfect for those who love sweet and savory flavors. The pork belly is coated in honey and sesame seeds, then roasted until crispy and delicious.
12. Honey Glazed Crispy Pork Belly
Craving cracklin’ that shatters and sweet, gooey goodness? Honey glazed pork belly is your jam! Trust me, this ain’t your grandma’s roast – it’s pure flavor magic.
13. Crispy Pork Belly Sandwich
Loaded with flavor and texture. The pork belly is roasted until crispy, then sliced and served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and spicy mayo.
14. Salt and Pepper Pork Belly
This dish is pure magic – just pork, salt, pepper, and heat (optional).
The skin crackles like crazy, the meat is juicy and tender, and the simple flavors sing. It’s like a party in your mouth, and you’re invited!
15. Kale & Pork Belly Salad
This ain’t your average salad! Forget floppy greens – this one’s warm & crispy kale tossed with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly.
Sweet pops of pomegranate & creamy cheese balance the savory goodness. Drizzled with a vibrant dressing, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
16. Char Siu Pork Belly
A favorite in Cantonese cuisine. The pork belly is marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, then roasted until caramelized and delicious.
17. Pork Belly Bites
Craving crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly without the deep-fry mess? Air fryer to the rescue!
Cube up that porky goodness, toss it in your fave spices, and let the air fryer work its magic. In 20 minutes, you’ve got addictive bites that are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
18. Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Craving crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork perfection? Smoked pork belly strips are your answer! Trust me, these smoky strips will have you saying “bacon who?”
19. Pork Belly Sliders
Pork belly sliders are the miniaturized version of deliciousness that is pork belly.
Succulent bites of melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, glazed to perfection and nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. They are perfect for parties or a fun weeknight meal.
20. Cantonese Roast Pork Belly
Cantonese roast pork belly, also known as siu yuk, is a culinary masterpiece boasting a shatteringly crisp skin and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
This iconic dish is achieved through a meticulous roasting process, often involving a salt crust and a final broil, resulting in a symphony of textures and flavors.
Enjoyed on its own or with a sweet and savory sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
21. Pork Belly and Mushroom Rice Bowl
This flavor-packed rice bowl features melt-in-your-mouth pork belly and savory mushrooms, bathed in a delicious soy sauce glaze.
It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough for guests, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch.
22. Pork Belly Tamales
Combine tender pieces of roasted pork belly with masa dough and flavorful sauces to create mouthwatering tamales. Steam them until cooked through, then serve with a side of salsa and sour cream.
23. Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps
Use slices of crispy pork belly as a filling for fresh lettuce wraps. Add hoisin sauce, julienned vegetables, and herbs for a refreshing and savory dish.
24. Pork Belly and Kimchi Ramen
Enhance your ramen with succulent slices of roasted pork belly and spicy kimchi. Simmer the ingredients together in a rich broth and serve over noodles.
25. Pork Belly and Pineapple Stir-Fry
Create a sweet and savory stir-fry with tender pork belly, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
26. Pork Belly Tostadas
Crispy pork belly slices make a delicious topping for tostadas. Layer them with refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favorite Mexican toppings.
27. Pork Belly and Butternut Squash Hash
Combine roasted pork belly with cubed butternut squash and sauté until golden and tender. Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
28. Pork Belly and Eggplant Stir-Fry
Stir-fry sliced pork belly with eggplant, garlic, and a flavorful sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a tasty Asian-inspired meal.
29. Pork Belly Bibimbap
Top a bowl of steamed rice with crispy pork belly, sautéed vegetables, kimchi, and a fried egg. Drizzle with a spicy gochujang sauce for a Korean-inspired dish.
30. Pork Belly and Apple Slaw
Make a refreshing coleslaw with sliced apples and cabbage. Serve it as a side dish alongside slices of roasted pork belly for a well-balanced meal.
31. Pork Belly and Grits
Create a comforting dish by pairing creamy cheese grits with slices of crispy pork belly. Top with a drizzle of gravy for added flavor.
32. Pork Belly and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Roast pork belly and Brussels sprouts together in a skillet until both are caramelized and tender. Season with herbs and spices for a savory side dish.
33. Pork Belly Stuffed Mushrooms
Hollow out mushroom caps and stuff them with a mixture of minced roasted pork belly, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
34. Pork Belly and Cabbage Soup
Simmer chunks of pork belly with cabbage, carrots, and broth to create a hearty and warming soup. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
35. Pork Belly Lettuce Cups
Use crispy pork belly as a filling for fresh lettuce cups, along with shredded carrots, cucumber, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a refreshing and healthy dish.
36. Pork Belly Banh Mi
Assemble a Vietnamese-inspired sandwich with slices of crispy pork belly, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a spread of sriracha mayo on a baguette for a burst of flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts,
Pork belly may seem intimidating, but these recipes prove that it’s easy to cook and incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer classic Chinese flavors or spicy Korean dishes, there’s a pork belly recipe that will suit your taste buds.
From tacos to sliders to curries, this succulent cut of meat can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to your meal rotation. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a pork belly and get cooking!
