This BBQ Pork Belly recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines savory and sweet with minimal ingredients. The pork belly is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and other seasonings, then oven-grilled to perfection. With its tender texture and caramelized outer layer, this pork belly will be a hit at your next barbecue or family dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorn

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 2 pounds pork belly, sliced about ¾ inch thick

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a large bowl, combine garlic, crushed peppercorn, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, and chili flakes (if using). Mix until the sugar dissolves.

2. Marinate the Pork Belly:

   • Dip each piece of sliced pork belly into the marinade, ensuring all sides are well-coated. Place the pieces in a plastic freezer bag, seal, and refrigerate for a few hours or preferably overnight.

3. Grill the Pork Belly:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the marinated pork belly slices on a grill rack placed over a baking pan (to catch drippings).

   • Grill for 20-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the remaining marinade.

4. Serve:

   • Once the pork belly is tender and slightly caramelized, remove from the oven. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 1037 kcal

• Fat: 96g

  • Saturated Fat: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 23g

  • Sugar: 21g

• Protein: 18g

• Sodium: 1400mg

• Cholesterol: 130mg

Why BBQ Pork Belly is So Special

BBQ Pork Belly stands out because of its unique texture and the incredible flavor it absorbs from the marinade. Pork belly is naturally rich and tender, and when marinated in a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and peppercorns, it takes on an amazing depth of flavor. The caramelization that occurs when grilling creates a perfect balance between the rich, savory pork and the sweet, slightly sticky glaze.

The best part about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the pork belly with flavor, and the slow grilling process helps develop that irresistible crispy exterior. Whether served as a main course with rice and vegetables or as an appetizer during a barbecue, BBQ Pork Belly will be the highlight of any meal.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Pork Belly: The star of the dish, pork belly has a rich, fatty texture that makes it incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked. The fat renders during cooking, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy outer layer.

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami-packed base to the marinade, giving the pork belly its savory depth and helping to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and richness to the marinade, helping to create that beautiful caramelized coating on the pork belly as it grills.

• Garlic: Garlic imparts a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the saltiness of the soy sauce, rounding out the marinade.

• Crushed Peppercorn: Crushed peppercorns provide a mild heat and spice to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.

• Chili Flakes (Optional): Chili flakes add a touch of heat to the dish, giving it an extra layer of flavor if you prefer a bit of spice. It’s optional but can be adjusted based on your taste.

How to Make the Perfect BBQ Pork Belly

This recipe is straightforward and requires only a few simple steps to create a flavorful, tender, and caramelized BBQ pork belly. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, crushed peppercorn, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well-combined.

2. Marinate the Pork Belly: Dip each slice of pork belly into the marinade, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Once the pork belly is fully marinated, place the slices in a plastic freezer bag or shallow dish, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least a few hours. For best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). The slow and steady heat will allow the pork belly to cook evenly and caramelize without drying out.

4. Grill the Pork Belly: Arrange the marinated pork belly slices on a grill rack placed over a baking pan. This will catch the drippings while the pork belly cooks. Grill the pork belly in the oven for 20-30 minutes, basting with the remaining marinade every 10 minutes to keep the meat moist and enhance the glaze.

5. Finish Cooking: Once the pork belly is tender and the exterior has caramelized to a beautiful golden brown, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

6. Serve: Serve the BBQ Pork Belly hot with your choice of sides, such as rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad. You can garnish with fresh herbs or additional chili flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Pork Belly

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating the pork belly overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 4 hours will work as well.

• Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting the pork belly with the remaining marinade every 10 minutes while grilling helps keep the meat moist and adds a caramelized glaze to the outside. This step is key to achieving that rich, sticky texture.

• Use a Grill Rack: If you don’t have a grill rack, you can place the pork belly directly on a baking sheet, but the rack allows air circulation around the meat and helps it cook more evenly.

• Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness: Depending on the thickness of the pork belly slices, the cooking time may vary. Make sure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

• Crisp the Edges: For extra crispy edges, increase the oven temperature for the last 5 minutes of cooking, or briefly broil the pork belly for a minute or two.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Pork Belly

BBQ Pork Belly is rich and flavorful, so it pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides:

• Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or a fragrant coconut rice to balance the richness of the pork belly.

• Vegetables: Pair with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes, to add color and freshness to the meal.

• Slaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory pork belly and adds crunch and texture to the meal.

• Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the pork belly and provide a light, refreshing contrast.

• Noodles: For a more substantial meal, serve the pork belly with stir-fried noodles or a noodle salad.

Nutritional Information for BBQ Pork Belly

Each serving of BBQ Pork Belly contains approximately 1037 calories, with 96 grams of fat, including 35 grams of saturated fat. It also provides 23 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of fiber and 21 grams of sugar. The dish contains 18 grams of protein and is quite high in sodium (1550 mg), so it may be best to enjoy in moderation. Additionally, it provides 3 mg of iron and 743 mg of potassium.

Conclusion

BBQ Pork Belly is a flavorful, indulgent dish that offers a twist on traditional barbecue. The combination of tender, juicy pork belly and a sweet, savory marinade creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. With its caramelized exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is perfect for your next cookout or family dinner. Serve with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy. Simple to make and packed with flavor, BBQ Pork Belly will become a go-to recipe for any occasion.