The aroma wafting through my kitchen is pure temptation—who could resist the allure of slow-cooked crispy pork belly? As I take that first bite of tender meat against a backdrop of crunchy skin, I’m transported to the best kind of culinary paradise. This Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider recipe embodies the perfect marriage of sweet and salty flavors, thanks to a delightful medley of cider, honey, and soy sauce. Not only is it a showstopper for family gatherings and weekend feasts, but the surprising simplicity makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners too. Imagine impressing your loved ones with a dish that seems extravagant yet is made with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together!

Why is Crispy Pork Belly a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cider, honey, and soy sauce creates a sweet and salty explosion that leaves your taste buds craving more.

Effortlessly Impressive: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can serve a gourmet dish that will wow your guests, just like my popular Chicken Street Corn or Chicken Sandwich.

Mood-Boosting Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly satisfying about indulging in tender meat with crispy skin. Your family will love it, making it a perfect centerpiece for special gatherings.

Batch-Friendly: Make extra and enjoy leftovers! Simply reheat in the oven for a quick, delectable meal.

Versatile Pairing Options: This dish pairs beautifully with roast potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad, allowing you to create a balanced meal without hassle.

Crispy Pork Belly Ingredients

For the Pork
• Pork Belly – The star of the dish, offering rich flavor and satisfying texture. You can substitute with pork shoulder if needed.

For the Sauce
• Dry Cider – Adds a tangy depth to the sauce; feel free to swap it out for sweeter apple juice if desired.
• Honey – Provides a luscious sweetness that enhances the crispy pork belly; maple syrup can make for a great alternative.
• Dark Soy Sauce – Infuses umami flavor and deep color; regular soy sauce is a suitable substitute if you prefer a lighter hue.
• Oyster Sauce – Brings savory richness; omit for a vegetarian option but enhance with extra soy sauce instead.
• Red Chilli – Introduces a gentle heat; red pepper flakes are a great alternative for a milder flavor.
• Demerara Sugar – Contributes a delightful caramel touch; brown sugar can be used if Demerara isn’t handy.
• Plain Flour – Thickens the sauce beautifully; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free alternative.

For Seasoning
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of your crispy pork belly.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure to create the ultimate Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider! Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction this dish will bring to your table.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). This temperature ensures that your crispy pork belly cooks slowly and evenly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. While the oven heats up, find a sturdy roasting tray to prepare for the pork belly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Belly
Score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern, making deep cuts that do not penetrate the meat. This will allow the fat to render, creating that coveted crispy skin. Next, carefully pour boiling water over the scored skin to help open it up, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Roast the Pork
Place the scored pork belly skin-side up in the lightly oiled roasting tray. Roast it in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, allowing the fat to render down and the skin to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it; the skin should puff up and begin to crisp during this time.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the pork is roasting, combine the dry cider, honey, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, chopped red chili, and demerara sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine and then add the plain flour to thicken the sauce, ensuring it achieves a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 5: Weigh and Chill
After the 2 hours of roasting, take the pork belly out of the oven. Place a smaller tray on top of the belly to weigh it down, then refrigerate for 1 hour. This step helps to compress the meat and enhances the tenderness of your crispy pork belly slices with cider.

Step 6: Slice and Marinate
Once chilled, remove the pork belly from the fridge and slice it into even portions. Coat each slice with half of the prepared sauce, ensuring they are well glazed. Return the coated slices to the fridge for another hour to allow the flavors to penetrate further.

Step 7: Final Roast
After the second chilling period, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Pour the remaining sauce over the slices, ensuring they’re evenly covered. Roast the pork belly slices in the hot oven for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize beautifully and enhance the flavor.

Step 8: Crisp the Skin
In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Fry each slice of crispy pork belly skin-side down until the skin is extra crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Let the slices rest for a moment before serving, ensuring the juices are perfectly redistributed for maximum flavor.

Crispy Pork Belly Slices Variations

Feel free to explore and personalize your crispy pork belly slices with these delightful variations that enhance flavor and texture!

Sweet Swap: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a unique, rich sweetness that adds depth to the dish.
Zesty Kick: Elevate the heat by adding fresh ginger to the marinade along with the red chili; it’ll bring a fresh zing!
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked soy sauce in place of dark soy sauce for a savory twist that adds a touch of complexity.
Herbaceous Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the sauce for a fragrant aroma and enhanced depth of flavor.
Crispy Alternative: For a twist on texture, try frying the pork belly slices in panko breadcrumbs after the final roast for an extra crunchy exterior.
Fruit Fusion: Add a splash of orange juice to the marinade to bring a bright citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Veggie Option: Swap in a plant-based protein like tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that still offers deliciousness.
Spicy BBQ Style: Mix in a spoonful of your favorite BBQ sauce to the marinade for a smoky, barbecue flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy pork.

With these fun ideas, you can create a version of crispy pork belly that’s uniquely yours! Ready to indulge? Don’t forget to pair your delicious creation with sides like sautéed Brussels sprouts, or seasoned roast potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider are perfect for busy home cooks who love a good meal prep! You can score and season the pork belly and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before roasting. After the initial roasting and chilling steps, the sliced pork can be marinated in the sauce and kept in the fridge for another 24 hours to enhance flavors. Just remember to cover it tightly to prevent any drying out. When it’s time to serve, follow the final steps of roasting and crisping in the frying pan for that unforgettable texture and rich taste. Your family will enjoy the same deliciousness made with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Crispy Pork Belly with Sweet and Salty Sauce

Imagine tender, juicy pork belly paired flawlessly with fresh sides and comforting flavors that create a mouthwatering feast.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes provides a delightful contrast to the crispy texture of the pork, creating a truly comforting combination.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts: These charred, crispy Brussels sprouts add a burst of freshness and a slight bitterness, balancing the rich pork belly beautifully.
Garlic Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed with garlic and a sprinkle of lemon juice bring brightness and crunch, harmonizing with the dish’s savory profile.
Homemade Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the pork, adding a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Pineapple Salsa: A sweet and zesty pineapple salsa elevates the dish with tropical brightness, perfect for complementing the sweet and salty sauce of the pork belly.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Caramelized sweet potatoes provide a sweet counterpart that harmonizes with the cider and honey glaze, enhancing the overall experience.
Crispy Fried Rice: For a uniquely enjoyable twist, serve with crispy fried rice packed with veggies for added texture and a satisfying bite.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: This light salad with a vinegar dressing cleanses the palate and refreshes your taste buds after indulging in the hearty pork.
Chilled White Wine or Cider: A crisp, chilled white wine or a glass of cider will accentuate the flavors of the pork belly, making each bite feel even more special.
Chocolate Lava Cake: Conclude your meal with a rich, warm chocolate lava cake; its melted center will provide a decadent finish after the savory pork belly.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Pork Belly

Fridge: Keep your crispy pork belly slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their delightful flavor and moisture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To restore the crispy skin, reheat the chilled or frozen slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Airtight Storage: Ensure that the pork belly is well wrapped or stored in a suitable container to prevent freezer burn and maintain the texture of your crispy pork belly slices.

Tips for the Best Crispy Pork Belly

Well-Scored Skin: Ensure the skin is deeply scored in a crosshatch pattern. This helps render the fat and achieve that perfect crispy texture you’re seeking with your crispy pork belly slices.
Boiling Water Boost: Pour boiling water over the scored skin before seasoning. This technique opens up the skin for better seasoning absorption and optimal crispiness, making your dish even more delicious.
Weight It Down: After roasting, place a smaller tray on top of the pork belly while chilling. This step compresses the meat for juicy slices, enhancing tenderness in your crispy pork belly slices with cider.
Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step after coating with sauce. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
Crisp Right Before Serving: Pan-fry the slices skin-side down just before serving. This final touch guarantees that your crispy pork belly has an irresistible crunch, creating that gourmet experience everyone will love.

Crispy Pork Belly with Sweet and Salty Sauce Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pork belly?
Absolutely! Look for pork belly that has a good balance of meat and fat. You want the fat to be creamy-white and the meat bright pink. Avoid pieces with dark spots all over as they might indicate spoilage. If you can, ask your butcher for some recommendations!

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep those delicious crispy pork belly slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, they’ll retain their delightful flavor and moisture. It’s perfect for quick meals later! Just remember to reheat them in the oven for that lovely crispiness.

Can I freeze my crispy pork belly?
Very much so! To freeze, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. After they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, and they can last for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them with the date!

What do I do if the skin isn’t crispy?
Don’t fret! If the skin isn’t crispy after the initial roasting, you can try a couple of techniques. First, you could increase the oven temperature slightly during the last roasting step to around 220°C (428°F) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, frying the slices skin-side down in a hot pan for a few minutes will help achieve that ultimate crunch!

Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re aiming for vegetarian options, you can simply omit the oyster sauce and add a bit more soy sauce for depth. For those mindful of gluten, just substitute with gluten-free flour. It’s all about enjoying this savory delight while considering dietary preferences!

How can I ensure the pork stays tender?
Ensuring tender pork belly is all about the method! Scoring the skin deeply is critical, as it helps render fat beautifully. After the first roast, pressing the belly down with a tray while chilling helps compress the meat, leading to juicier slices. Don’t skip the chilling step, as it’s crucial for infusing those flavors and maintaining tenderness!