Crispy Maple-Glazed Pork Belly

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a dish that's equal parts indulgent and impressive, this Crispy Maple-Glazed Pork Belly is for you. With its delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or just when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Crispy Maple-Glazed Pork Belly

The star of the show is the pork belly, which becomes tender and flavorful when cooked properly. The maple syrup adds a sweet, caramelized glaze that complements the rich pork. A touch of soy sauce provides umami depth, while garlic powder lends a subtle, aromatic kick. Black pepper and salt are essential for seasoning, helping to enhance all the flavors. Finally, olive oil is used to sear the pork, getting that beautiful golden crust started.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even crispier skin, make sure the pork belly is as dry as possible before scoring.
  • Use a sharp knife to score the skin; it makes the process much easier and safer.
  • Don’t skip the resting period; it’s crucial for juicy, tender meat.
  • Basting regularly helps the glaze develop and keeps the pork moist.

Serving Suggestions

This pork belly pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, which can be roasted alongside the pork for convenience. A light, crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pork. For a more substantial meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of fragrant jasmine rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
You can sear the pork in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish for the roasting step.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the skin crispy.

Crispy Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures it's ready to go once you've seared the pork. Next, take your 2 lbs of pork belly and score the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat itself; this scoring will help the skin crisp up nicely.

Sprinkle the pork belly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning is all you need to bring out the natural flavors. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the pork belly in the skillet, skin-side down. Let it sear until the skin is a delicious golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.

While it's searing, mix together the maple syrup and soy sauce. Once the pork is browned, flip it over and brush the skin with this sweet-savory mixture. It’s time for the oven magic: transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork belly for 45 minutes. Remember to baste it with the pan juices every 15 minutes to keep it moist and to help the glaze set.

When the time's up, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender. After that, slice it up and get ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory with the maple glaze.
  • Achieves a crispy skin that contrasts beautifully with tender meat.
  • Uses simple ingredients you're likely to have on hand.
  • An impressive dish that's easier to make than it looks.

Ingredients

2 lbs pork belly
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Score the pork belly skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat.
3. Season the pork belly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Place the pork belly skin-side down in the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Flip the pork belly and brush the skin with maple syrup and soy sauce mixture.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with pan juices.
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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