Salt and Pepper Pork Belly

Introduction

Salt and Pepper Pork Belly is an iconic dish beloved for its juicy, tender interior and irresistibly crispy coating. The bold simplicity of salt and pepper enhances the savory essence of pork belly, making it a true crowd-pleaser at parties, family dinners, and festive gatherings. Its crackly crunch and aromatic seasoning are the secret behind its universal appeal, elevating any table with a restaurant-quality touch.

What Makes Salt and Pepper Pork Belly So Addictive?

This dish stands out thanks to the interplay of textures: succulent layers of pork melt in your mouth, while the outer shell delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The seasoning blend—just coarse salt and cracked black pepper—pairs perfectly with a touch of garlic and chili, letting the pork’s richness shine. Serve it with fresh vegetables or atop steamed rice, and you’ve got a dish everyone will be reaching for seconds.

How to Ensure Perfectly Crispy Pork Belly

The ultimate tricky part of Salt and Pepper Pork Belly is achieving that shatteringly crisp exterior without drying out the meat. Start by drying your pork with paper towels and scoring the skin. A rest in the fridge, uncovered, will help draw out moisture for maximum crunch later on.

Use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board Set to prep your pork belly safely and efficiently. You’ll want to cut the meat into easy-to-cook cubes for even crisping and simple serving.

Air Fryer vs. Skillet: Choose Your Crisping Method

To make the crisping process easier, a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is your shortcut to golden, crunchy pork belly with less oil and no mess. For those who favor stovetop searing, a heavy-duty SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is excellent for rendering fat and ensuring even browning without sticking.

Lining your air fryer or oven tray with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll can help keep cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking, especially with fatty cuts like pork belly.

Serving, Storing, and Sides for Salt and Pepper Pork Belly

Set out your sizzling pork belly on a platter lined with crisp lettuce or fresh chili slices. Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or a bowl of rice for a complete meal. To keep leftovers at their best, store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to maintain crispness and flavor. This dish is also excellent for entertaining—simply lay out your spread over a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth for fast, fuss-free cleanup after the party.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4–6, depending on how hungry your guests are. Each serving contains approximately 500–650 calories, depending on the size of your pork belly pieces and cooking method. Enjoy as a main or as part of a larger spread!

Ultimate Salt and Pepper Pork Belly Recap

Salt and Pepper Pork Belly is the ultimate fusion of flavor and texture—tender, meaty pork with that crave-worthy crispy skin and a warming kick of black pepper. It’s an impressive addition to any table, guaranteed to satisfy every savory craving.

Instructions

1. Pat the pork belly cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness. For best results, refrigerate the uncovered cubes for at least 1 hour before cooking.
2. Toss pork belly with 1 tablespoon salt, black pepper, and five-spice powder if using.
3. For Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 400°F. Line the basket with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup. Arrange pork in a single layer and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

   For Skillet:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high. Cook pork belly in batches, skin-side down first, for 8–10 minutes until crispy and golden all over. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
4. In the same skillet (or a clean one if using an air fryer), quickly stir-fry garlic, chilies, and half the scallions in a touch of oil for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Toss pork belly pieces back into the pan and coat well.
5. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with remaining scallions, fresh chili, and your chosen garnishes. Serve hot, with lime wedges for a zesty kick.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour optional chilling time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time if you choose)

Salt and Pepper Pork Belly is a surefire way to delight any group with maximum flavor and irresistible crunch—an instant hit for your next gathering!