Pork belly is a culinary treasure, celebrated for its rich, succulent flavor and tender texture. When glazed with a sweet and savory honey soy sauce, it transforms into an irresistible dish that will impress family and friends alike. This honey soy glazed pork belly recipe marries the sweet notes of honey with the umami richness of soy sauce, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal.

Let’s explore how to prepare this delectable dish step-by-step.

Ingredients for Honey Soy Glazed Pork Belly

For the Pork Belly:

2 pounds pork belly (skin-on, if possible)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)


For the Honey Soy Glaze:

1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
1/4 cup honey (preferably raw or organic)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)


Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).


Season the Pork Belly: Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern, taking care not to cut too deeply into the meat. This will help the fat render and create a crispy skin. 

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.


Step 2: Sear the Pork Belly

Heat the Oil: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.


Sear the Pork Belly: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork belly in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is browned and crisp. Flip the pork belly and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove the pork belly from the skillet and set it aside.


Step 3: Make the Honey Soy Glaze

Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).


Step 4: Bake the Pork Belly

Add the Glaze: Return the seared pork belly to the skillet and pour the honey soy glaze over it, ensuring it’s well coated.


Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the fat has rendered.


Glaze Again: After 2 hours, uncover the skillet and baste the pork belly with the glaze. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful, sticky coating.


Step 5: Finish and Serve

Rest the Pork Belly: Once fully cooked, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.


Slice and Garnish: Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds.


Serving Suggestions

Honey soy glazed pork belly can be enjoyed in various ways:

As an Entrée: Serve with steamed rice and sautéed greens for a balanced meal.

In Tacos: Shred or slice the pork and serve it in soft tortillas with pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro.

On a Salad: Add slices of pork belly to a fresh Asian-inspired salad with mixed greens, sliced radishes, and a sesame vinaigrette.

With Noodles: Serve over a bed of udon or soba noodles tossed in a light stir-fry sauce for a hearty dish.


Conclusion

Honey soy glazed pork belly is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. The crispy skin, tender meat, and luscious glaze create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness of this Asian-inspired dish, and savor every bite!