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Glazed Pork Belly Recipe – Crispy, Sticky & Packed with Flavor

This Glazed Pork Belly Recipe is a showstopper—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze that’s bursting with umami. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving something bold and satisfying, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. Serve it over rice, in bao buns, or as a stunning centerpiece for your next feast. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Asian-fusion, BBQ, Comfort Food, Latin-inspired
Servings 6
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Sharp knife (for scoring)
  • Roasting pan with wire rack
  • Saucepan (for glaze)
  • Saucepan (for glaze)
  • Foil or parchment paper
  • Broiler or air fryer (optional for crisping)

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Belly:

  • 2 lbs pork belly, skin-on
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil (for roasting or pan-frying)
  • Optional: 2 cups broth (for braising)

For the Glaze (Base):

  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or citrus juice
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Optional: chili flakes, sesame oil, orange zest

Aromatics (for boiling or braising):

  • 2 slices ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 sprig thyme

Instructions
 

Prep the Pork Belly:

  • Score the skin and fat in a crosshatch pattern.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes.

Optional Boil/Braise:

  • Simmer pork belly in broth with aromatics for 45 minutes.
  • Remove and pat dry.

Roast or Pan-Fry:

  • Place pork belly on a wire rack over a roasting pan.
  • Roast at 325°F (160°C) for 90 minutes.
  • Increase heat to 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to crisp skin.
  • Alternatively, pan-fry slices until golden and crisp.

Make the Glaze:

  • Combine glaze ingredients in a saucepan.
  • Simmer until thick and syrupy (about 5–7 minutes).

Glaze & Finish:

  • Brush glaze over pork belly in final 10 minutes of roasting.
  • Broil briefly for caramelization, if desired.

Slice & Serve:

  • Let rest 10 minutes. Slice and serve with sides.
  • Spoon pan juices over rice or veggies.

Notes

  • Overnight Chill: Chill roasted pork belly overnight for easier slicing and reheating.
  • Fusion Glaze Idea: Mix honey + soy + chili flakes for a sweet-heat twist.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
  • Reheat Tip: Use oven or air fryer with a fresh glaze layer for best texture.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Keyword braised pork belly, crispy pork belly, Glazed pork belly, roast pork belly, sticky glaze, sweet and savory pork