Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Belly Recipe | Easy Asian-Inspired Dinner
This slow cooker honey garlic pork belly is melt-in-your-mouth tender, coated in a sticky sweet garlic glaze, and packed with flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you want a comforting Asian-inspired dish.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (5–6 quart recommended)
- Skillet (for searing)
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Saucepan (for reducing glaze)
- Optional: fat separator
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) pork belly, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Garnish: sesame seeds, scallions
Instructions
- Prep Pork Belly: Trim excess fat, cut into chunks, and pat dry.
- Brown: Heat oil in skillet, sear pork belly until golden. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Make Sauce: Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and pepper. Pour over pork belly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove pork belly. Transfer sauce to saucepan, simmer until reduced to a sticky glaze.
- Finish: Coat pork belly with glaze. Rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Notes
- Sear first: adds depth and caramelization.
- Cook low and slow: ensures tenderness.
- Reduce sauce: for a sticky, glossy finish.
- Variations: add chili flakes for spice, paprika for smokiness, or swap honey for brown sugar.
- Serving ideas: over rice, in sliders, or with roasted vegetables.