Slow cooker honey garlic pork belly Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Belly

This slow cooker honey garlic pork belly is a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful dish where the pork belly is slow-cooked to tender perfection in a delicious sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The long, slow cooking time ensures the pork belly is infused with all the rich flavors while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900g) pork belly, skinless and cut into large chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), ground black pepper, and ground ginger. If you want a slight nutty flavor, add sesame oil.
2. Sear the Pork Belly (Optional):
   • For added flavor, sear the pork belly pieces in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
   • Place the pork belly pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top, ensuring the pork is evenly coated. Add the chicken broth or water to ensure the pork stays moist during cooking.
4. Slow Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork belly is tender and can easily be pulled apart with a fork.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   • If you want a thicker sauce, remove the pork belly from the slow cooker once it’s done and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   • Serve the pork belly drizzled with the honey garlic sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
• Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness.

Enjoy this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Belly for a hearty, flavor-packed meal!