Savory Honey Glazed Pork Belly: Sticky & Tender Delight

If you’re craving a dish that balances savory richness with a hint of sweetness, this honey glazed pork belly is exactly what you need. The honey glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a sticky, tender experience that’s absolutely irresistible.

this Recipe

You’ll love how this honey glazed pork belly recipe is easy to follow and yields restaurant-quality results right from your oven. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, the flavors and textures here make for an unforgettable main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly sticky and tender pork belly with a golden honey glaze
• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
• Oven-baked method means less mess and hands-off cooking
• Great for special occasions or easy weeknight dinners
• Rich, balanced flavor without overpowering sweetness

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the pork belly and the glaze to create a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

• 2 pounds pork belly, skin removed and cut into 1.5-inch wide strips
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

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

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Pat the pork belly strips dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
2. Season the pork belly evenly with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides, then drizzle with soy sauce and vegetable oil, rubbing it in gently.
3. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to render fat and start crisping the edges.
4. While the pork cooks, mix honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl to create the glaze.
5. After 45 minutes, brush the honey glaze generously over each pork belly strip. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with extra glaze until sticky and caramelized.
6. Once done, remove from oven and let the pork belly rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
7. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top as garnish before serving.
8. Serve warm with steamed rice or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure to pat the pork belly dry to get a crispy texture after baking.
• Use a wire rack to allow fat to drip away and avoid sogginess.
• Baste the glaze frequently during the last 30 minutes for a sticky, layered flavor.
• Let the pork rest after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
• Adjust the honey amount if you prefer it less sweet or more caramelized.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover honey glazed pork belly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat, warm the pork belly in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness and heat through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the glaze soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork belly with the skin on?

Yes, but the skin can become tough if not prepared properly. Scoring and drying the skin before cooking helps achieve crispy crackling, but this recipe works best with skin removed for evenly tender meat.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop?

While baking ensures even cooking and crispiness, you can pan-fry the pork belly strips over medium heat. Cook slowly to render fat and baste with glaze, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

What can I serve with honey glazed pork belly?

This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens, pickled vegetables, or simple Asian slaws to balance its richness.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely! The honey glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before brushing it on the pork belly.