This Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices recipe is a flavorful, indulgent dish that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The rich pork belly is glazed with a honey garlic sauce that caramelizes in the oven, resulting in a crispy outer layer while maintaining a juicy center. The combination of flavors and textures makes it an ideal choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork belly slices

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Chopped cilantro or parsley

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, and optional ginger and chili flakes. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade for later basting.

2. Marinate the Pork Belly: Place the pork belly slices in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the pork and ensure it’s well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated pork belly slices on the wire rack.

4. Roast the Pork Belly: Roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C), brush the reserved marinade over the pork, and roast for another 10–15 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.

5. Rest and Garnish: Let the pork belly rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or herbs and serve over rice or your preferred side.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 480–520 kcal

• Protein: 18–20g

• Fat: 38–42g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 15–18g

• Sugars: 12g

• Sodium: 650–750mg

• Fiber: 0.5–1g

Enjoy this savory dish with your choice of vegetables or rice for a well-rounded meal!

Why Pork Belly?

Pork belly is often considered the “king” of cuts due to its high-fat content and deliciously tender meat. Its layers of fat and lean meat make it ideal for slow-roasting or roasting at high heat to achieve the perfect balance between crispy skin and juicy meat. When roasted, the fat renders beautifully, infusing the pork with rich flavors and ensuring a moist and succulent texture.

In many cultures, pork belly is a prized cut, used in dishes ranging from Chinese-style braised pork belly to crispy pork belly sandwiches. Its versatility in flavor makes it perfect for various seasonings, and it pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory ingredients. The combination of honey and garlic in this recipe enhances the pork belly’s natural richness, creating a perfect fusion of flavors.

The Appeal of Honey Garlic Sauce

The honey garlic glaze is the star of this recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful sauce that combines the sweetness of honey with the depth of garlic and soy sauce. The honey adds a luscious sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and brings out the natural flavors of the pork belly. Garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce, while a touch of sesame oil brings a nutty richness that complements the dish perfectly.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its ability to transform the pork belly. As the pork roasts in the oven, the glaze thickens and caramelizes, forming a shiny, golden coating around the edges of the meat. This caramelization not only adds a beautiful color but also infuses the pork with additional flavor, creating that satisfying combination of sweet and savory with just a hint of umami. For those who like a little heat, the addition of chili flakes or fresh ginger can elevate the flavor profile even further, adding a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness of the honey.

Roasting Techniques for Perfect Pork Belly

Achieving perfectly roasted pork belly involves understanding the dynamics of heat and fat. When roasting pork belly, it’s important to start at a moderate temperature to allow the fat to render slowly, ensuring a tender and juicy interior. This is followed by a higher temperature towards the end of the cooking process to crisp up the exterior, creating that satisfying crunch. The method of flipping the pork belly halfway through ensures even cooking and a uniform crispiness on both sides.

Using a wire rack is key to achieving even roasting. By placing the pork belly slices on a rack, the fat can drip away as the pork cooks, helping to prevent it from becoming too greasy. Additionally, the glaze has a better chance of coating the pork evenly, caramelizing into a perfect finish.

Garnishing Your Dish

While the Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices are already bursting with flavor, a few simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and add a fresh contrast to the rich pork. Sliced green onions offer a sharp, refreshing bite that cuts through the sweetness of the honey garlic glaze. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the sesame oil in the sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a touch of brightness and color, making the dish more visually appealing while providing an aromatic finish.

These garnishes not only improve the appearance of the dish but also provide complementary flavors that balance the richness of the pork belly.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion. For a casual meal, it pairs beautifully with a side of steamed white rice, allowing the glaze to soak into the grains for added flavor. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes complement the savory richness of the pork and add a wholesome touch to the meal.

For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the pork belly slices on a platter with a side of pickled vegetables or a crisp salad. The contrast of textures and flavors will add a refreshing dimension to the meal, balancing the richness of the pork with a light and tangy crunch. If you’re looking for something heartier, mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta can also make excellent accompaniments.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pork belly itself, with its marbled fat, offers a rich and luxurious taste that’s tender and succulent. The honey garlic glaze adds complexity, combining sweetness, savory depth, and a slight kick from the garlic and optional chili flakes. This makes the dish both comforting and exciting, a meal that pleases the senses in every bite.

The simplicity of the recipe is also a standout feature. While it’s easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients, the resulting dish is anything but ordinary. The sweet and savory combination is a crowd-pleaser, and the crispy edges of the pork belly offer a delightful contrast to the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The use of basic pantry ingredients, such as honey, soy sauce, and garlic, makes it a recipe that anyone can recreate without too much effort or special equipment.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices are a delicious and visually appealing dish that will undoubtedly be a hit at any dinner table. With the combination of juicy, tender pork belly, a rich honey garlic glaze, and the satisfying crispiness of the roasted edges, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The simplicity of the recipe, along with the versatility in serving suggestions, makes it a go-to choice for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. With its rich flavors and crispy texture, the Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, why not try it out today and indulge in the deliciousness of this perfectly roasted pork belly?