These easy pork belly bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With a touch of seasoning, they pack a tasty punch that everyone will love!
Making these bites is a fun adventure! I can’t resist sneaking one before they hit the table; they’re just that good! Who can blame me? 😋
It’s a breeze to whip these up. Just season, bake, and enjoy! I often serve them as party snacks or even for a cozy night in. Perfect for sharing… if you can!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Belly: This is the star ingredient. Look for pork belly with a balanced ratio of fat to meat. If pork belly isn’t available, you can use chicken thighs for a leaner option or beef brisket, though the textures and flavors will differ.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness if needed. For a gluten-free option, tamari works great. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can serve as a mild replacement.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well, depending on your preference for a richer flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using maple syrup or a sugar substitute.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can swap it out for agave syrup or even maple syrup if you like. Just remember that this may slightly alter the taste.
Spices: Feel free to experiment with the spices! Instead of smoked paprika, try regular paprika or even chili powder for a kick. Fresh garlic and diced onions can replace powders for a fresher taste.
How Do I Get My Pork Belly Bites Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture on your pork belly bites, focus on a few key steps:
- Ensure the pork belly is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Marinating helps but let any excess marinade drip off before baking to ensure they’re not soggy.
- Spread the pork belly cubes in a single layer on the baking dish. Avoid overcrowding, as this creates steam instead of crispiness.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) for the right amount of time, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- For extra crispness, broil the pork belly bites for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Let them cool slightly before serving; this helps them crisp up a bit more! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Pork Belly Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork belly, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the pork belly marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight for better flavor) in the fridge. Altogether, with marinating time, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and grease it with the vegetable oil. This will help keep those delicious pork belly bites from sticking.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and you have a nice marinade.
3. Marinate the Pork Belly:
Now, add the pork belly cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the pork belly until every piece is coated evenly. For the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you’re thinking ahead, marinate it overnight—your taste buds will thank you later!
4. Bake the Pork Belly Bites:
After marinating, spread the pork belly cubes in the greased baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they are not too crowded, so they can get crispy. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a stir to help them cook evenly and get that nice caramelized look.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once they are golden and crispy, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the pork belly bites cool for a few minutes before you serve them. They are perfect as an appetizer or a snack! Feel free to garnish them with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Pork Belly Bites!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork belly with chicken thighs or beef brisket for different flavor profiles. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the pork belly cubes right before you plan to cook for the best flavor infusion!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pork belly bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven for about 10 minutes for that crispy texture, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though this may soften them.
How Can I Make These Spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped jalapeños to the marinade. Adjust according to your taste preference so that it complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey!
