If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and incredibly delicious meat recipe, this is the one for you. Using affordable pork belly, this recipe involves baking and marinating to create a juicy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all, you don’t need to fry, boil, or cook the meat in a complicated way!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork Belly:
- 2 kg pork belly
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons dry garlic
- 4-5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 layers of foil (for wrapping)
For the Glaze:
- 1-1.5 sweet and sour apple, grated
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (ketchup can be used)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Pork Belly
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Prepare the Meat: If desired, remove the skin from the pork belly. Score the meat about 1-1.5 cm deep. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better.
- Season the Meat: Mix the salt, black pepper, red pepper, paprika, and dry garlic. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork belly.
- Stuff with Garlic: Make small cuts in the pork and stuff with the sliced garlic cloves.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the seasoned pork belly well in 2 layers of foil to seal in the moisture.
Bake the Pork Belly
- Bake: Place the wrapped pork belly in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. As a general rule, bake 1 kg of meat for 1 hour.
Prepare the Glaze
- Make the Glaze: While the meat is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the grated apple, soy sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, sugar, dried garlic, paprika, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the Pork Belly
- Increase Oven Temperature: After the initial baking time, remove the pork belly from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (428°F).
- Apply the Glaze: Remove the foil from the pork belly and place it on a wire rack. Brush the meat on all sides with the prepared glaze.
- Bake Again: Return the glazed pork belly to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the meat is crispy on the outside.
Rest and Serve
- Rest the Meat: Remove the pork belly from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the juicy and fragrant pork belly and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Apple Variations: Use any variety of apple you like, but a sweet and sour apple works best for the glaze.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add more paprika for a smokier flavor or increase the amount of red pepper for more heat.
- Storage: Store any leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the pork belly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts of pork such as pork shoulder or pork loin, but the cooking times may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork belly and wrap it in foil ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Prepare the glaze fresh before the final baking step.
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a similar flavor. If neither is available, use a combination of Worcestershire sauce and a bit of salt.
Can I grill the pork belly instead of baking it?
Yes, you can grill the pork belly. Wrap it in foil and cook over indirect heat on the grill, then finish by grilling directly over the heat with the glaze until crispy.
Conclusion
This pork belly recipe is a fantastic way to turn an inexpensive cut of meat into a delicious and impressive dish. With minimal effort and a flavorful glaze, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to please everyone. Try this recipe and enjoy a juicy, tender, and fragrant pork belly that’s perfect for any occasion.