This Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly is an irresistible dish that combines a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The pork belly is first scored, then rubbed with a spice blend, and roasted to perfection. The result is crispy, caramelized skin with melt-in-your-mouth tender meat beneath. The honey and sherry glaze adds a touch of sweetness, making it a fantastic main dish that’s full of flavor and impressively easy to prepare. It’s a delicious treat that’s sure to wow your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 tablespoons dry sherry

Directions

1. Prepare and Score the Pork Belly:
   Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife in crosshatch marks. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and promotes even cooking.

2. Apply the Spice Rub and Marinate:
   In a small bowl, mix together the salt, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spice blend generously over the pork belly on all sides. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for more intense flavor).

3. Bring to Room Temperature and Preheat the Oven:
   If refrigerated overnight, remove the pork belly from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

4. Roast the Pork Belly:
   Place the pork belly skin-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or in a deep baking dish. Roast the pork belly uncovered for 60 minutes. Ensure the pan is lightly greased to promote even browning.

5. Baste with Honey Sherry Mixture:
   In a small bowl, mix honey and dry sherry. After the first hour of roasting, baste the pork belly with the honey sherry mixture. Lower the oven temperature to 250°F and continue roasting for another 20 minutes. Baste again before the final 10 minutes of cooking to achieve a glossy, caramelized finish.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the pork belly to cool slightly before slicing. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the tenderness and flavor. Slice and serve!

Nutrients

• Calories: 2200-2400 kcal (for the whole recipe)

• Protein: 150-160g

• Fat: 180-200g

• Carbohydrates: 80-100g

Flavor Profile of Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly

The flavor profile of Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly is a symphony of taste, with each component contributing to the dish’s richness. The pork belly itself provides a hearty base with its tender, juicy meat and crispy, caramelized skin. The fat in the pork belly melts during roasting, adding richness and depth to the dish, while the meat absorbs the spice rub, making each bite savory and flavorful.

The spice rub, made from cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt, adds a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy kick to the dish. The cumin and paprika bring an earthy, smoky depth, while the cayenne pepper gives a mild heat that balances out the richness of the pork. The garlic powder rounds out the seasoning, adding an aromatic component that complements the pork belly perfectly.

The honey and dry sherry glaze introduces a delightful sweetness and a subtle complexity to the dish. The honey caramelizes during roasting, creating a glossy, sweet coating on the pork belly. The sherry, with its slightly nutty and fruity flavor, enhances the glaze, providing a depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy notes of the meat.

Together, the seasoning, roasting process, and glaze create a perfectly balanced flavor profile, making each bite of Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly a harmonious combination of sweet, smoky, savory, and slightly spicy elements.

Preparing Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly

Although Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly sounds like a dish that requires a lot of effort, it is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few steps, you can prepare a rich and flavorful pork belly that is sure to wow your guests. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare and Score the Pork Belly:
The first step is to prepare the pork belly by scoring the skin. Using a sharp knife, make crosshatch marks in the skin of the pork belly. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, promote even cooking, and help the skin crisp up beautifully during roasting. Be sure not to cut too deeply into the meat.

2. Apply the Spice Rub and Marinate:
In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create the spice blend. Rub this mixture generously over the pork belly, ensuring that the seasoning covers all sides of the meat. Once the pork belly is seasoned, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, it’s best to marinate the pork belly overnight in the fridge.

3. Bring to Room Temperature and Preheat the Oven:
Before cooking, remove the pork belly from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about an hour. This ensures even cooking and helps the pork belly roast properly. While the pork belly is warming up, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Roast the Pork Belly:
Place the pork belly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or in a deep baking dish, skin-side up. Roast the pork belly uncovered for 60 minutes. The skin should begin to crisp up, and the pork belly will start releasing its delicious fat. Make sure the pan is lightly greased to promote even browning.

5. Baste with Honey Sherry Mixture:
After the first hour of roasting, prepare the honey sherry glaze by mixing honey and dry sherry in a small bowl. Baste the pork belly generously with this glaze, ensuring the meat is coated evenly. Lower the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C) and continue roasting for another 20 minutes. Baste the pork belly again before the final 10 minutes of cooking to achieve a glossy, caramelized finish on the skin.

6. Cool and Serve:
Once the pork belly is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Allowing the pork to rest helps redistribute the juices, ensuring the meat remains tender and flavorful. Slice the pork belly into thick pieces and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information for Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly

Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly is a rich and hearty dish, and its nutritional profile reflects its indulgent nature. The entire recipe provides approximately 2200-2400 calories, with 150-160g of protein and 180-200g of fat. While the high fat content comes from the pork belly itself, it also provides a significant amount of flavor and tenderness to the dish.

In addition to protein and fat, the dish contains about 80-100g of carbohydrates, which primarily come from the honey and any residual sugars in the spices. Although high in calories, Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal, particularly when paired with vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.

Serving Suggestions for Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly

Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly is a dish that stands out on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. To complement the rich and sweet flavors of the pork belly, consider serving it with:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.

• Rice or Polenta: A bed of rice or creamy polenta is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices and glaze from the pork belly.

• Light Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the pork belly and provide a refreshing contrast.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that complements the tender, juicy pork belly while balancing out the dish’s richness.

Conclusion: A Deliciously Irresistible Dish

Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly is a dish that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in the most irresistible way. The rich, tender pork belly is perfectly balanced by the spice rub and the honey sherry glaze, making each bite a flavorful experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare, yet feels luxurious, making it a standout centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth meat with this deliciously indulgent recipe.