Why you should try glazed pork belly
This recipe for glazed pork belly is popular because it delivers a wonderful contrast between the soft meat and the sticky glaze. The slow roasting process ensures the fat renders down and makes the pork incredibly tender. It is a cost effective cut of meat that feels like a luxury treat. You only need a few pantry staples to create the glaze and transform the dish.
Follow these simple steps for glazed pork belly
Prepare the meat: Preheat your oven to 160C and score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife. Rub the salt into the surface and place the meat in a roasting tin. Roast it for about 75 minutes until the fat is soft and the meat is cooked through.
Make the glaze: While the pork is roasting, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and honey in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for a few minutes. The liquid should thicken slightly to create a sticky glaze for the glazed pork belly.
Apply the coating: Take the roasting tin out of the oven and increase the temperature to 200C. Brush a generous layer of the sauce over the top and sides of the meat. Pour the remaining sauce into the bottom of the tin with a little water to prevent burning.
Finish and rest: Place the meat back in the oven for another 15 minutes to caramelise the surface. Watch it closely to ensure the sugars do not burn. Remove the meat from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and tricks for glazed pork belly
Scoring the skin is essential for allowing the heat to penetrate and the fat to render properly. Use a very sharp knife or even a clean craft blade to make shallow cuts without hitting the meat. For the best glazed pork belly, try to baste the meat a couple of times during the final stage of cooking. This builds up layers of flavour and creates a deep colour.
If the glaze is too thin, simmer it for longer before brushing it on. Always let the meat rest after roasting so the juices can redistribute. This makes the pork much easier to slice into neat portions.
You can also try these recipes:
greek salad,
ham puff pastry roll with mushrooms or
turkey breast curry.
