What comes to mind when pork belly is on the menu?
Is it the prep for perfect crackling?
Like scoring and salting the fat cap a day before?
Or are you going to slowly cook it in a braising liquid?
With oriental aromatics and a sticky sweet sauce.
A pork belly is the star of the show.
But let’s not forget about the sides.
Below are my top picks to make this cut of meat even better!
Homemade Apple Sauce For Roasted Pork Belly (30mins)
My first pick only has 3 ingredients but wow it adds depth.
Apple and pork have been a match made in heaven, started by the Romans!
Keep the tradition alive by using a more acidic apple like the granny smith variety.
The subtle sour and sweet combination with pork belly is a real rocker.
You can also boast to guests it was homemade.
Use a food processor if you prefer it smooth.
Or start scooping chunks of applesauce with crackling.
Homemade Apple Sauce For Roasted Pork Belly
Got Some Leftover Pork Belly? How Is Some Ways to Use It!
Honey Chili Potatoes
Looking for an easy way to get your kids to eat their veggie?
These honey chili potatoes will do the trick every time!
Just remember if your making them for adults and kids go easy on the chili. You want to make sure everyone can enjoy them.
Mashed Potato With Pickled Red Cabbage (20mins)
Less traditional than your standard creamed potatoes to accompany a roast.
The vibrant color of the cabbage is an eye-catcher.
But the flavor and texture are why you will go back for thirds.
Consider caramelizing the cabbage with a hint of sugar.
The sweet taste and creamy texture cut through the fatty pork meat.
Mashed Potato With Pickled Red Cabbage
Hoisin Glaze For Braised Pork Belly (30mins)
Braising is a great cooking technique to master for this cut.
The fat cap will melt and become fork-tender.
While the meat proteins absorb your delicious and creative aromatics.
Hoisin is traditionally used in Cantonese cuisine.
It has a rich and dark umami flavor.
Make the sauce separately and then baste it onto the pork.
A match made in heaven!
Hoisin Glaze For Braised Pork Belly
Steamed Veg With Garlic Butter
Steamed vegetables don’t have to be boring.
Just make sure you choose a good selection like asparagus and baby carrots.
And most of all – DO NOT OVERCOOK THEM!
As it will remove any of the hearty veg flavors.
A simple garlic butter poured on at the last second will complete this side dish.
As well as complimenting the pork’s rich consistency and flavor.
Steamed Veg With Garlic Butter
Chicken Gravy Filled Yorkshire Pudding (30mins)
My British ancestry will be proud.
A hot pancake batter is added to smoking goose fat before rising in an oven.
A Yorkshire pudding is great to soak up the gravy.
The flour, egg, and milk batter can be made the night before and stored in the fridge.
The trick is using a small muffin tray that has been in the oven with your fat of choice.
A good gravy will make a roast pork belly recipe.
Ensure this by using the meat juices and a bay leaf for extra flavor.
Cornflour will always help thicken but make sure it gets dissolved properly.