Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly Recipe | Sticky & Tender Delight

If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, savory flavors with a luscious sticky glaze, this honey glazed pork belly recipe is exactly what you need. The tender meat infused with a sweet and savory honey glaze is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Once you try this honey glazed pork belly, you’ll want to make it for every special occasion or even a cozy weekend dinner.

this Recipe

This recipe is straightforward and perfect for home cooks who want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. The honey glazed pork belly delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior that you won’t be able to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sticky and tender pork belly with a rich honey glaze.
• Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
• Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
• The balance of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible.
• Easy baking method that requires minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Gather these straightforward ingredients to create your own honey glazed pork belly masterpiece at home.

• 3 lbs pork belly, skin scored
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 480 per serving

How to Make Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly 🍯🥢 | Sticky & Tender

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the meat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and olive oil to create the glaze.
3. Place the pork belly skin-side up on a roasting rack in a baking pan. Brush half of the honey glaze evenly over the pork belly.
4. Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, baste the pork belly with the remaining glaze and continue roasting for another 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 30 minutes to build up a sticky, caramelized coating.
5. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast the pork belly for an additional 20 minutes to crisp the skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thick pieces.
7. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh contrast and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Score the skin carefully but don’t cut too deep; this helps the fat render and the glaze penetrate.
• Use a roasting rack to allow even heat circulation and crispier skin.
• Baste with the glaze frequently to build a glossy, sticky finish.
• Let the pork belly rest before slicing to retain all the juices.
• Serve with steamed rice or sautéed greens to balance the richness.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover honey glazed pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve longer, freeze the pork belly for up to 2 months, making sure to wrap it tightly.

When reheating, warm the pork belly gently in a low oven at 300°F until heated through to keep the glaze sticky and the meat tender. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the pork and dull the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork belly without skin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless pork belly, but the crispy texture from the skin will be missing. The skin helps create the signature crispy and caramelized finish that makes this dish special.

Is it necessary to baste the pork belly during cooking?

Basting is key to achieving that sticky, shiny glaze. It allows the honey mixture to build up layers of flavor and caramelization, so don’t skip this step.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the pork belly in the glaze overnight to deepen the flavors. However, for best texture, bake and crisp the pork belly just before serving.

What sides pair well with honey glazed pork belly?

Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad offer fresh and light contrasts that complement the richness of the pork belly.