Nowadays, it seems like pork belly recipes are on almost every food blog around the globe. Why? It is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and satisfies your hunger. The delectable dish combines a juicy pork belly and a savory teriyaki glaze. The balance of flavors makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Why is Pork Belly so Remarkable
Teriyaki pork belly has gained popularity due to its filling and savory qualities. Overall, this is a standout, and it is no wonder why. The balance of flavors and textures will impress even the most discerning palate.
This dish is a must for foodies and anyone who craves delectable cuisine. It is so succulent that it melts in your mouth at the first bite. A sauce, a combination of sweet and salty, complements the meat perfectly.
It is incredibly versatile. It suits any occasion, from casual dining to special celebrations. Serve it as a main course or add to a stir fry, rice bowl, or salad. It adds a delicious flavor boost.
So what is stopping you? Try this recipe and experience a culinary delight you will not forget.
Bao Buns From a Chinese Food Truck
I did not get much time for lunch when I was working. I usually looked for a quick bite. One day, I walked by a Chinese food truck. The aromas smelled great, so I stopped to see what was on the menu.
They had pork belly bao buns. The buns looked like pillows. A pile of crispy pork belly filled the sandwich. I enjoyed sinking my teeth into the warm, soft bun. They were airy and slightly sweet. The pork was delicious. Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and spices served as a flavorful marinade.
Lunch was perfect, considering I was on the go. I also did not want to feel weighed down throughout the afternoon. And the cost factor? These tasty treats did not break the bank when I ordered two from the food truck.
It was the perfect grab-on-the-go sandwich. As I ate on my way back to work, I thought, “I should have gotten three.”
How to Cook Pork Belly
American bacon is cured and smoked pork belly. But there are many ways to prepare this piece of meat. This cut can be cooked by:
- Slow cooking
- Braising
- Roasting
- Frying
- Grilling
Teriyaki Pork Belly Ingredients
Pork belly marinated in Asian-inspired flavors is a great-tasting dish. The slow-cooked pork is soft and tender. Searing the cooked pork at the end gives a hearty helping of crispy deliciousness! Try this recipe the next time you cook pork belly!
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
For the Pork Belly:
- 1 lb. pork belly
- 2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup flour
Instructions for Teriyaki Pork Belly
Make the Marinade:
- Combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and garlic in the bowl.
- Marinate the pork belly for at least 15 minutes with half the soy sauce mixture.
- Pour the remaining soy sauce mixture into a small pot.
- Simmer and reduce to the desired consistency.
Prepare the Pork Belly:
- Transfer the pork and marinating liquid to an oven-safe dish.
- Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours or until the meat becomes soft and tender to the touch.
- Let the cooked pork cool.
- Cut the belly into slices.
- Put a skillet on the stove over high heat.
- Add olive oil.
- Lightly coat the pork belly slices with flour.
- Sear the pork belly in the skillet, turning to crisp each side.
- Finish cooking with a drizzle of the reduced marinade.
Tips to Making Pork Belly
Pork belly is a versatile and irresistible ingredient. Nothing beats the explosion of flavors when glazed with teriyaki sauce. Even if you are a newbie in the kitchen, these recipe tips will help you perfect this dish. Your taste buds will want more.
Select the Best Pork Belly:
Pork bellies sold in stores may have multiple layers of fat. They may also be skinless. Look for one with even layers of fat. The fat will render when cooked, leaving the tender and juicy meat. If you prefer crispy skin, look for skin-on and score the skin with a sharp knife before cooking.
Brine the Belly:
Brining is soaking meat in a saltwater solution to help tenderize and flavor the meat. Create a brine with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Refrigerate the belly in the brine for at least 12 hours.
Make a Teriyaki Sauce:
Homemade teriyaki sauce enhances the flavors of pork belly. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves and reduce the mixture until thickened. Add ginger and garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
Cook it Low and Slow:
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Remove the belly from the brine and pat it dry. Brush the meat with teriyaki sauce and place it on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven for 2 hours and 30 minutes until cooked and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, brush the meat with the remaining sauce.
Serving:
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thin. Sear the pieces in a hot skillet. Serve in lettuce cups. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds.
The combination of pork belly and sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is delicious. These tips will help you create a meal that is both flavorful and memorable. Try this recipe and see why this dish is worth the effort.
Alternative Ways to Savor this Indulgent Delight
Pork Belly is a food lover delight. It boasts rich, succulent flavors and is the perfect ingredient for mouth-watering dishes. Usually used to make bacon, there are many ways to prepare it.
Here are alternative recipes to add creativity to your cooking.
Crispy Pork Belly Stir-fry:
We all love stir-fry, and crispy pork belly takes it to another level. It adds a much-needed texture to the dish. It has a crunchiness that pairs with vegetables.
Pork Belly Ramen:
Ramen Noodle Soup is another dish that has a special place in our hearts. The creamy, flavorful broth and tender noodles never fail to impress us. However, when you add juicy, meaty slices of pork belly to the mix, the dish becomes a flavor explosion. It adds an earthiness to the subtle notes of the broth.
Sous-vide Pork Belly:
Sous-vide is a fantastic cooking technique. It involves placing ingredients in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking them in a water bath. This method locks in the flavors while slowly and evenly cooking. The result is tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth. This method also allows for creativity. Add your favorite herbs, spices, and marinades to the bag.
Pork Belly Sliders:
Sliders have become increasingly popular. Using pork belly instead of beef is a game-changer. Make the sandwich with tender pork, caramelized onions, pickles, and a spicy mayo sauce. A perfect snack size, these sliders are easy to eat and a great addition to any party or gathering. Try a light pillowy Bao Bun for your slider.
Pork Belly Tacos:
Transform the traditional taco by using pork belly instead of beef or chicken. Prepare it crisp or slow-cooked to perfection, depending on your preference. Add your favorite toppings to create a delicious taco you will never forget.
Pork Belly is a versatile and indulgent ingredient that can elevate any dish. These are alternative ways to serve it, and the possibilities are endless. Cooking is an experiment, so do not be afraid to try new things. You might surprise yourself with the incredible dishes you create.
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