These Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices are a deliciously sticky and crispy main course that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With golden roasted edges, a caramelized glaze, and tender meat, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or indulgent weekend meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to takeout, using a sweet and savory homemade sauce that can double as a stir-fry glaze.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
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500g (1 lb) pork belly slices
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Sea salt, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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115 ml (just under ½ cup) light soy sauce
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Juice of 1 orange
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1 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp cider vinegar
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1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 170°C fan / 180°C conventional (340–355°F). Line a roasting tray with foil.
2. Prep the Pork Belly:
Place pork belly slices fat side up and score the fat with a sharp knife. Lightly season with sea salt.
3. Roast:
Arrange slices on their sides and roast for 12 minutes. Flip and roast for another 10–12 minutes until golden. Then, stand slices upright and broil for ~5 minutes to achieve crispy crackling.
4. Make the Sauce:
While the pork roasts, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened to a honey-like consistency.
5. Finish:
Remove pork belly from oven. Drizzle with sauce after roasting to avoid burning. Serve immediately.
Nutrients
Yield: 4 servings
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Calories: 706
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Protein: 15g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Sugar: 11g
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Fat: 66g
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Saturated Fat: 24g
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Sodium: 1617mg
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Cholesterol: 90mg
Why Pork Belly Slices Work Perfectly
Pork belly is renowned for its layers of fat and meat, which render beautifully when roasted. Slicing the belly into strips speeds up the cooking process while ensuring maximum surface area for browning, caramelization, and sauce coverage. Scoring the fat allows heat to penetrate evenly and gives you that signature crispy crackle without requiring an hours-long roast.
Compared to whole-roasted pork belly, this sliced method offers a faster, more practical version that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture—perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Flavor and Texture Profile
The magic of this dish lies in the contrast. The roasted pork belly slices offer a deliciously crispy exterior, especially when seared under the broiler, while the interior remains rich, juicy, and tender. The natural fattiness of the pork is balanced by a glaze that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and tangy.
The sauce brings together light soy sauce for umami, honey and brown sugar for a sticky caramel finish, orange juice for brightness, cider vinegar for a slight tang, and minced garlic for depth. It clings to the pork belly slices, forming a glossy, golden coating that caramelizes slightly upon contact, enhancing the flavor of each bite.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish succeeds because it strikes a balance between ease and elegance. Roasting the pork belly in stages—first on its sides, then flipping, then finishing upright—ensures that every edge gets crispy while retaining moisture. The scoring of the fat layer allows it to render evenly, creating that crackling effect without drying out the meat.
The sauce, meanwhile, is quick to make but complex in taste. By preparing it while the pork cooks, you streamline the process. Most importantly, the sauce is added only at the end to avoid burning the sugars during high-heat roasting. This thoughtful approach ensures that the glaze stays glossy and flavorful rather than charred or bitter.
Perfect for Weeknights or Weekend Feasts
Because it comes together in just 30 minutes, this dish fits seamlessly into weeknight routines. Yet, it’s indulgent enough for a weekend dinner or even a casual dinner party. The combination of crispy pork and sticky sauce delivers big satisfaction with little effort, making it an excellent choice for both quick family meals and impressing guests.
And since pork belly is often more affordable than cuts like ribs or tenderloin, it’s a great option when you want something special without breaking the budget.
Health and Nutritional Notes
Pork belly is a rich cut, high in fat and calories—but it also provides high-quality protein and important nutrients like B vitamins and zinc. The sauce is relatively low in added sugar (just 3 tablespoons total for four servings), and the recipe doesn’t rely on deep-frying or breading, which helps keep it cleaner than takeout alternatives.
To lighten it up, you can serve the pork belly in small portions over a large bed of stir-fried vegetables, shredded cabbage slaw, or a crunchy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of this dish means it can be paired with a wide range of sides:
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Steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce
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Garlic noodles or sesame lo mein for a takeout-style dinner
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Stir-fried greens like bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or spinach
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Pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the pork
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Roasted root vegetables for a hearty, comforting plate
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Bao buns or lettuce cups to turn it into a fun, hand-held meal
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra brightness.
Tips for Best Results
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Score the Fat Properly: Use a sharp knife to lightly score the fat in diagonal lines, avoiding cutting too deep into the meat.
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Use a Broiler Finish: The last 5 minutes under high heat or broiler transforms the fat cap into a crispy delight—don’t skip it!
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Sauce Control: Always add the sauce after roasting. Adding it too early will cause the sugars to burn in the oven.
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Let It Rest: Allowing the pork to sit for a couple of minutes before slicing helps juices redistribute and intensifies flavor.
Recipe Variations
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Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
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Ginger Soy Version: Include grated ginger in the sauce for a zesty, warming undertone.
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Sticky Korean-Inspired: Mix in gochujang for a deeper, fermented heat and bolder umami.
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Sweet Pineapple Glaze: Swap orange juice for pineapple juice and toss in a few pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
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Asian BBQ Fusion: Add hoisin sauce or a teaspoon of Chinese five spice to deepen the flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this recipe—it’s rich, quick, affordable, and bursting with flavor. The crispy pork belly is indulgent but easy, and the honey garlic sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything. It turns an otherwise humble cut into a centerpiece-worthy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare but is table-ready in half an hour.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for a date night, or just treating yourself to something indulgent and home-cooked, this pork belly delivers every time.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices are proof that you don’t need a long ingredients list or complicated techniques to create something extraordinary. With its crackling skin, juicy interior, and sticky glaze, this dish captures everything we crave in comfort food—with just a touch of elegance. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners and special enough for celebrations. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth keeping pork belly slices stocked in your freezer. Pair it with your favorite sides, serve it hot, and let the rich aroma and glossy glaze steal the spotlight at your table.
