21 Pork Belly Recipes for Rich, Decadent Meals

Just like the name implies, pork belly is the fatty cut of meat taken from the belly of the pig. When cured and smoked, it becomes the bacon we all know and love. When uncured and unsmoked, it’s a versatile cut of meat that can be used in everything from sandwiches and sliders to this rich, satisfying adobo. Garlic, onion, peppercorns and soy sauce work together to create a complex, savory flavor that only gets better with time—so don’t be afraid to make this dish a day ahead and store in the refrigerator, alloowing the flavors to develop. When you’re ready to serve, simply pair with jasmine rice and you’ve got dinner.

Dim sum fans will love how easy it is to make this restaurant staple at home. The steamy buns get stuffed with tender pork belly, which means this filling dish is perfect as an appetizer or entrée. The recipe yields 15 buns, so serve it at your next dinner party to really impress your guests.

Pork belly is fatty and rich, so smothering it in a sweet, tangy glaze is the perfect way to balance out the flavors and textures. This sauce recipe relies on ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes and mustard powder to create a bold, complex flavor that’s the perfect topping for the tender pork belly. Make sure to brush the sauce all over the pork throughout the cooking process to achieve a caramelized, crunchy skin.

A pork dinner made entirely in the rice cooker? Yes, please! This hands-off recipe yields steamed pork belly that’s packed with classic Chinese flavors. Serve with napa cabbage for some added crunch.