Pig Mac Recipe
pork belly, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion, special sauce
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Ingredients
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Pork Belly
Buns & Assembly
Special Sauce
Method
Pork Belly
- 1
Prepare pork
Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Trim any excessively thick pieces of fat so slices will cook evenly.
- 2
Slice
Cut the pork belly into two 1/2-inch thick slabs (or if your belly is narrow, cut into 4 thinner slices) so each sandwich gets a roughly 4–6 oz portion.
- 3
Season
Season both sides of each pork belly slice evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 4
Sear and finish
Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Place pork belly slices in the pan (do not overcrowd). Sear 3–4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms. Lower heat to medium-low and continue cooking another 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until pork is tender and internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) and fat is rendered. If slices are thicker, finish in a 375°F (190°C) oven on a tray for 8–12 minutes.
- 5
Rest and slice
Transfer pork to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes. Slice across the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces suitable for layering on the bun.
Special Sauce
- 6
Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning; refrigerate at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Makes enough for two sandwiches with extra.
Buns & Assembly
- 7
Toast buns
Split the buns and toast cut sides in a dry skillet or under a broiler until lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes, to prevent sogginess.
- 8
Melt cheese
When pork slices are nearly done, place a slice of American cheese on top of the hot pork pieces in the pan, cover briefly (30–45 seconds) to melt slightly.
- 9
Build the sandwich
Spread about 1 tablespoon of special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer 2 lettuce leaves, the warm pork belly slices with melted cheese, 3 pickle slices, and 2 red onion rings. Spread another teaspoon of sauce on the top bun and place it on the sandwich.
- 10
Serve
Press gently to compact, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately while pork is warm and cheese is melty.