5 Slow Cooked Pork Belly Recipes That Deserve a Place on Your Table

Table of Content

• Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly
• Slow-Cooked Pork Belly in Apple Cider Vinegar
• Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce and Ginger
• Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Herb Marinade
• Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Maple Glaze
• Conclusion:

Pork belly is the king when it comes to flavor and texture. Imagine juicy, tender meat that almost melts, with crispy skin that cracks just right. It is incredible how the fat and meat are layered- giving you the best way to cook pork belly.

Have you ever tried cooking pork belly fast? It's usually a miss. The secret is low and slow. Taking your time breaks down the tough stuff and lets all those flavors come alive. Plus, if you nail it, you get that crispy skin everyone's obsessed with.

This post has five slow-cooked pork belly recipes that each bring something different to the table. Some are savory, some sweet, others tangy or herb-packed. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. 

So, what kind of flavor are you in the mood for?

1. Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly

Recipe Overview:

This is a classic. This slow-roasted perfect cut of pork belly is your go-to if you're after that beautiful contrast of soft meat and crunchy skin. Cooking it at a low temperature slowly renders the fat, creating juicy layers. Then, a blast of high heat crisps the skin to perfection.

Tips for Achieving Crispy Skin:

• Score the Skin: Use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the skin in a criss-cross pattern gently. This helps the fat render properly and gives the crackling more surface area.

• Dry the Skin: Before roasting, pat the skin completely dry. If possible, leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight - this step is key.

• Generous Salt Application: Rub coarse salt all over the skin. This draws out moisture and enhances that bubbly, golden crisp.

• Roast at Two Temperatures: Slow roast at 300°F for 2.5–3 hours, then crank it up to 450°F for 20 minutes or until the skin blisters and crisps.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• A hearty bed of roasted root vegetables - think sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts roasted in olive oil and garlic.

• A zesty green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan cuts through the richness beautifully.

2. Slow-Cooked Pork Belly in Apple Cider Vinegar

Recipe Overview:

This recipe leans into contrast - the fatty richness of pork belly softened by the tart bite of apple cider vinegar. The result is balanced and surprisingly refreshing.

Marination and Tenderizing Tips:

• Marinate Overnight: Let the pork belly bathe in apple cider vinegar, garlic, thyme, and a touch of honey. A good 12-hour soak ensures flavor reaches deep into the meat.

• Basting During Cooking: While roasting at 275°F, baste the pork belly every 45 minutes with juices. This builds flavor and keeps it moist.

• Slow Cooking Time: Bake covered for 3-4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and the marinade has reduced into a glaze.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Buttery mashed potatoes - they mellow out the acidity of the vinegar and pair beautifully with the pork.

• Roasted carrots and parsnips for earthy sweetness that balances the tang.

3. Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce and Ginger

Recipe Overview:

A warm, savory dish inspired by East Asian flavors. The soy sauce and ginger bring out the natural umami of the pork, while slow braising makes every bite luscious and tender.

Braising Tips for Tenderness:

• Sear the Pork Belly: Brown the pork belly in a hot pan first — it locks in juices and builds a richer flavor base for your braising liquid.

• Braise at Low Heat: After adding soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a splash of rice wine, and water, cover and slow cook at 275°F for 2-3 hours.

• Monitor Tenderness: It should fall apart under gentle pressure but not be mushy. Check after 2 hours and adjust as needed.

• Thicken the Sauce: After braising, reduce the liquid on the stovetop until it's a glossy glaze. Spoon it over the meat to serve.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Fragrant jasmine rice is the perfect sponge for that salty-sweet sauce.

• Stir-fried bok choy or snow peas for a clean, crunchy contrast.

4. Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Herb Marinade

Recipe Overview:

Fresh herbs bring a rustic charm to this pork belly recipe. The marinade infuses every bite with earthy, aromatic notes - perfect for spring or fall gatherings.

Marination and Cooking Tips:

• Marinate for Several Hours: Blend rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil into a marinade. Let the pork belly soak in it for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

• Slow Cook at Low Temperature: Roast at 275°F for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and juicy.

• Optional Crisping: For added texture, raise the oven temp to 450°F in the final 15–20 minutes to blister the skin and brown the edges.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Roasted root vegetables tossed in herbs mirror the pork's flavors and add color to your plate.

• A citrusy green salad (think orange segments and vinaigrette) brightens the dish.

5. Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Maple Glaze

Recipe Overview:

Sticky, sweet, and savory - this pork belly recipe is a showstopper. The glaze caramelizes over the top, creating a glossy, golden finish and balancing the rich fat with just the right sweetness.

Maple Glaze Tips:

• Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Simmer until thickened slightly — about 10–15 minutes.

• Slow Cook the Pork Belly: Place pork belly in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 275°F for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

• Glaze in the Final 30 Minutes: Remove the foil and brush the glaze generously over the pork. Please return it to the oven, uncovered, to caramelize.

• Crisp the Skin: For extra wow factor, finish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes - but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt crisp beautifully and balances the glaze.

• Light, fluffy couscous with a hint of lemon zest pairs wonderfully with the bold pork flavor.

Conclusion:

Each of these slow-cooked pork belly recipes offers something special - crackling skin, tangy vinegar depth, or a sticky-sweet glaze. What ties them together is the method: slow and low. That's still the best way to cook pork belly, hands down.

Try them all: mix and match. Use different marinades or sides. These recipes are versatile, forgiving, and wildly satisfying.

Looking for fresh and tasty pork belly to elevate your cooking? 

Visit Redfield Ranch and shop for high-quality cuts that bring restaurant-level flavor to your home kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions