Pork Belly (fresh) Recipe
Thinly sliced pork belly with a perfect balace of fat and lean meat
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Ingredients
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Pork & Marinade
For Cooking & Serving
Method
Pork & Marinade
- 1
Prepare pork
If not already thinly sliced, partially freeze the pork belly for 30–45 minutes until firm, then slice against the grain into 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm) slices. Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve a good sear.
- 2
Make marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper until sugar dissolves and mixture is uniform.
- 3
Marinate
Add the pork belly slices to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes for quick flavoring. If you have more time, marinate up to 2 hours (no longer, as sugar can make the meat sticky and thin slices can become overly salty). Remove pork from fridge 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
For Cooking & Serving
- 4
Heat pan
Heat a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon neutral oil and swirl to coat. The pork belly will render fat quickly, so only a little oil is needed.
- 5
Cook pork
Arrange slices in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if necessary). Cook undisturbed for 1.5–2 minutes until the underside is deeply browned and crisp at the edges, then flip and cook an additional 1–2 minutes. For slightly more caramelization, spoon a little of the pan juices over the slices as they cook. Total cook time per batch: ~3–4 minutes. Transfer cooked slices to a paper-towel–lined plate to drain briefly.
- 6
Finish & season
Taste a piece and sprinkle a light pinch of coarse salt if needed (pork belly and the marinade can be salty). Scatter sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds over the pork. Squeeze a little lemon or lime over the top if you like a bright contrast.
- 7
Serve
Serve the pork belly hot as an appetizer, with rice, or in lettuce wraps. Provide extra scallions, sesame seeds, and citrus on the side.