There’s a certain joy in discovering flavors that blend seamlessly, and my recent kitchen adventure with Honey Glazed Pork Belly was no exception. Picture the vibrant hiss of sizzling pork as it crisps up in sesame oil, the delightful aroma wrapping around you like a warm hug. This dish struck me as the ideal comfort food – it’s rich, sweet, and savory all at once, making it perfect for any night when we’re craving something special.
As I experimented with the marinade, which includes honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger, I marveled at how these simple ingredients transform into a savory glaze that’s downright addictive. I often find myself craving this delightful dish on chilly evenings or after a long day. What I love most is how it easily impresses guests while also fitting snugly into a weeknight dinner routine. With a mere 50 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a plate of sticky, glossy perfection that’ll leave everyone asking for more. Let’s dive into this savory indulgence together!
Why will you love this Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
Irresistible flavor: The sweet and savory glaze makes every bite a blissful experience.
Effortless preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep, you’ll be savoring rich cuisine in no time.
Crowd-pleaser: This dish is sure to earn you rave reviews from family and friends at your next dinner gathering.
Versatile dish: Pair it with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Comfort food delight: Its sticky, caramelized goodness is perfect for warming your soul on chilly evenings.
Unique taste: The combination of honey and garlic creates an addictive flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Don’t forget to check out my other comfort food recipes to add variety to your home cooking!
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to irresistible flavor!
For the Pork
• 2 lb pork belly – Cut into bite-sized pieces for optimal crispiness.
For the Glaze
• 0.25 cup honey – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• 3 tbsp soy sauce – This classic ingredient enhances the richness of the pork.
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional) – For a deeper color and flavor profile.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar – Helps to deepen the sweetness and caramelization.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) – Provides a bit of acidity to cut through the richness.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic deliciousness.
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated) – Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweet glaze.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – This fragrant oil gives a nutty depth to the dish.
• 0.25 cup water – Helps to create the ideal glaze consistency.
For Garnish
• 2 green onions (chopped) – Adds fresh brightness and a pop of color on top.
• 1 tsp sesame seeds – Provides a pleasing crunch and extra flavor when sprinkled on.
Get ready to savor the magic of Honey Glazed Pork Belly—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
How to Make Honey Glazed Pork Belly
-
Cut & Pat Dry: Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture during cooking.
-
Sear the Pork: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly and sear until golden and crisp on all sides, about 10–12 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner finish.
-
Mix the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauces, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water until well combined. This glaze will elevate the flavors wonderfully!
-
Add the Glaze: Pour the delicious glaze over the seared pork belly. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens beautifully.
-
Caramelize & Garnish: Continue cooking until the glaze caramelizes and turns sticky and glossy. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add color and crunch.
Optional: Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your taste!
-
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or sriracha to the glaze for a zesty heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Your taste buds will dance with delight!
-
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil in the glaze for a burst of freshness. Herbs add a wonderful aromatic layer that elevates the dish.
-
Pineapple Twist: Mix in a bit of crushed pineapple to the glaze for a tropical flair. The fruity sweetness beautifully complements the savory pork belly.
-
Maple Substitute: Swap honey with maple syrup for a unique twist. The rich, caramel-like flavor will surprise you and create an irresistible glaze.
-
Vegetarian Version: Replace pork belly with firm tofu, marinated and seared until golden. The glaze will give the tofu a scrumptious kick, perfect for plant-based enjoyment.
-
Crispy Shallots: Top with crispy fried shallots instead of green onions for added crunch and depth of flavor; they bring an elegant touch to this dish.
-
Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one orange or lime to the glaze for a bright, zesty undertone that uplifts the dish remarkably. Citrus brings a whole new life to those savory bites!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Glazed Pork Belly
Fridge: Store leftover honey glazed pork belly in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pork belly in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, if necessary. Enjoy the same delicious flavor!
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving honey glazed pork belly at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Tips for the Best Honey Glazed Pork Belly
-
Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh, high-quality pork belly for a richer flavor and tender texture that truly shines in this dish.
-
Pat Dry Properly: Don’t skip patting the pork belly dry! This crucial step ensures that you achieve that irresistible crispiness during searing.
-
Watch the Heat: Sear the pork belly over medium-high heat to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
-
Adjust Your Glaze: Feel free to tweak the honey or soy sauce amounts according to your taste preferences—balance is key for the perfect honey glazed pork belly.
-
Simmer Gently: Once the glaze is added, simmer on medium-low heat; don’t rush it! A slower simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a thick, sticky coating.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
Harness the deliciousness of your meal with perfect pairings that elevate every bite.
-
Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the rich glaze beautifully, creating a comforting base for your pork belly.
-
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of colorful veggies adds a crunchy contrast to the tender pork while offering freshness.
-
Garlic Noodles: These savory noodles, tossed in garlic and soy sauce, make for a delightful pairing that enhances the main dish’s flavor.
-
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The roasted nuttiness complements the sweetness of the pork, creating a balance that’s hard to resist.
-
Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy slaw adds refreshing crunch, cutting through the richness of the honey glaze.
-
Chilled Sake: For a gourmet touch, serve with chilled sake. Its smooth flavors enhance the dish while adding an exotic flair.
Imagine a table adorned with these delicious sides, perfectly matching your savory honey glazed pork belly and creating a feast that warms the heart.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Glazed Pork Belly bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cut and pat dry the pork belly pieces up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that they’re ready to crisp up when you need them. Additionally, you can mix the glaze ingredients—honey, soy sauces, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and water—and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy this dish, simply sear the pork belly, pour the prepared glaze over, and simmer until it thickens. Rest assured, your Honey Glazed Pork Belly will be just as delicious, saving you time without sacrificing flavor!
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Recipe FAQs
What type of pork belly should I use?
Absolutely! Choose fresh, high-quality pork belly that has a nice balance of meat and fat. Look for a piece with a good amount of marbling (white streaks of fat) as this will render down and keep the pork juicy while cooking.
How should I store leftover Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a sealed container or freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
Can I freeze Honey Glazed Pork Belly?
Yes, definitely! To freeze, first let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through.
What should I do if my glaze isn’t thickening?
No worries! If your glaze isn’t thickening as expected, simply increase the heat slightly and continue to simmer. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. If you need a little extra help, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to your sauce while stirring, allowing it to thicken as you go.
Is Honey Glazed Pork Belly safe for pets?
While the cooked pork itself isn’t dangerous for pets, it’s important to keep in mind that the glaze contains ingredients like honey and soy sauce, which may not be suitable for pets. If you’re treating your furry friends to pork, it’s best to serve them plain, without any seasoning or sauce.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet glaze, feel free to reduce the honey or brown sugar to fit your taste. You can also add a splash of additional soy sauce to balance the sweetness with savory notes. Cooking is all about personal preference—don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Honey Glazed Pork Belly Recipe FAQs
Mouthwatering Honey Glazed Pork Belly to Impress Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly and sear until golden and crisp on all sides, about 10–12 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauces, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water until well combined.
- Pour the glaze over the seared pork belly. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the glaze caramelizes and turns sticky and glossy. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
