Pork belly strips are a deliciously rich and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in many ways to achieve crispy, tender, and flavorful results. Whether you want to bake, pan-fry, grill, or air-fry them, this guide will walk you through easy methods and tips to cook pork belly strips like a pro.
Choosing and Preparing Your Pork Belly Strips
– Buy skinless pork belly strips for easier cooking and crispier results.
– Slice them about ½ to 1 inch thick depending on your cooking method.
– Pat the strips dry with paper towels to remove moisture for better crisping.
– Season simply with salt and pepper or use a spice rub with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and brown sugar for extra flavor.
Cooking Methods for Pork Belly Strips
Oven-Baked Pork Belly Strips
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Arrange the seasoned pork belly strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a rack to drain fat.
– Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
– This method renders fat well and gives you a nice crunch without much fuss.
Pan-Fried Pork Belly Strips
– Use a large skillet (cast iron works best) and do not add extra oil; the pork belly will release plenty of fat.
– Cook the strips on medium heat, flipping frequently for about 5-7 minutes per side until crispy.
– For extra flavor, brush your favorite BBQ or Asian-style sauce on during the last few minutes.
– Use a splatter screen or wear long sleeves to avoid hot oil splashes.
Air Fryer Pork Belly Strips
– Preheat your air fryer.
– Place the pork belly strips in a single layer.
– Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping twice for even crisping.
– Glaze with sauce if desired before serving.
Grilled Pork Belly Strips
– Use thinner slices, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
– Marinate or rub the strips with your favorite spices for at least 30 minutes.
– Grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, just until slightly charred but not burnt.
– Brush with BBQ sauce and grill for an additional minute to caramelize.
Tips for Perfect Pork Belly Strips
– Boil first for tenderness: Some cooks boil pork belly strips briefly to remove impurities and tenderize before frying or baking.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan or tray: This ensures even cooking and crisping.
– Use a rack when baking: Helps fat drain away and keeps strips crispy.
– Watch your cooking times: Pork belly can burn if cooked too long at high heat.
– Serve with dipping sauces: Spicy garlic vinegar or sweet lechon-style sauces complement pork belly beautifully.
A Simple Crispy Fried Pork Belly Recipe
- Boil pork belly strips in water with salt and pepper until tender.
- Drain and dry the strips.
- Heat a pan with a little oil, then fry the strips until golden and crispy, turning carefully to avoid splatters.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
This method produces irresistibly crispy pork belly with minimal effort.
Pork belly strips are easy to cook and endlessly adaptable. Whether you bake, fry, grill, or air-fry, following these tips will help you get crispy, juicy, and flavorful results every time. Ready to try cooking pork belly strips your way?