What is Pork Belly?

What is pork belly?

Pork belly is a cut of pork that comes from the belly of a pig. It is a fatty, flavorful cut of meat that is used to make bacon. It’s also commonly  roasted, braised, and grilled. Pork belly is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, such as Korean barbecue, Chinese roast pork, and Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches. It is typically sold in rectangular slabs, which can be sliced into thin or thick pieces depending on the desired use.

What does pork belly taste like?

Pork belly has a rich, savory flavor with a slightly sweet and slightly salty taste. It has a high-fat content, which gives it a rich, succulent flavor when it is cooked. The taste of pork belly can vary depending on how it is cooked and what it is served with. When it is roasted or grilled, the fat in the pork belly can melt and caramelize, giving it a slightly sweet and slightly smoky flavor. When it is braised, the pork belly can take on the flavors of the braising liquid, which could be anything from a savory broth to a sweet and spicy sauce.

What is the history/origin of pork belly?

Cooking and eating pork belly probably dates back to humans discovering the first pigs. As far an ingredient in formal cuisine, its origins are mostly in China, where it was a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes. Pork belly was also widely consumed in other parts of Asia, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Bacon aside, pork belly became a popular ingredient in the US in the mid-20th century. Pork belly has become a popular choice for barbecue, often slow-roasted or smoked to give it a rich, smoky flavor.

How is pork belly served? 

Some common ways to serve pork belly include:

• Roasted pork belly: often served as a main course. To roast pork belly, it can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, then baked in the oven or grilled. 
• Braised pork belly: involves cooking it in liquid over low heat for a long period of time. Braising helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the braising liquid, which could be anything from a savory broth to a sweet and spicy sauce. Braised pork belly is often served as a main course or as an ingredient in other dishes.
• Grilled pork belly: until it is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside. Grilled pork belly is often served as a main course or as an ingredient in dishes like sandwiches or sliders.
• Sliced pork belly: sliced into thin or thick pieces and served as an ingredient in other dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries.

How do you make pork belly? 

A simple recipe for pork belly is as follows:

• Season the pork belly on all sides with salt and pepper. You can also add any desired herbs and spices at this point, such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme.
• Heat a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and heat until it is hot.
• Place the pork belly in the pan and sear it on all sides until it is browned. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast the pork belly for 45-60 minutes, or until it is tender and cooked through.
• Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve the pork belly on its own or as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries.

There are lots of different ways to cook and prepare pork belly. It’s a popular, savory dish your guests will surely enjoy.