Pork Belly Bites

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Servings: 4 Cuisine: American Course: Appetizer or Main Course Ingredients 2 pounds pork belly, skin removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or wire rack
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly, skin removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
2. Pat the pork belly cubes dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispier edges during roasting.
3. Place the pork belly into a large mixing bowl.
4. Add olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using.
5. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 2: Arrange for Baking

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the baking tray.
2. Arrange the pork belly cubes in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to encourage even cooking and crispiness.

Step 3: Roast

1. Bake for 35–40 minutes , turning the cubes halfway through cooking.
2. The pork belly should become beautifully browned with crispy edges while remaining juicy inside.
3. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) , though many cooks prefer continuing until the fat is fully rendered for extra tenderness.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. While the pork belly cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
4. Stir the slurry into the glaze and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until thickened into a glossy sauce.
5. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Coat the Pork Belly

1. Transfer the cooked pork belly bites into a clean bowl.
2. Pour the warm glaze over the bites.
3. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated with the sticky sauce.

Step 6: Optional Final Crisp

1. For extra caramelization, return the glazed pork belly bites to the oven for 5 minutes .
2. Alternatively, broil for 2–3 minutes , watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving platter.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 610 · Protein: 24g · Fat: 49g · Carbohydrates: 17g · Saturated Fat: 17g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 13g · Sodium: 730mg