Crispy Honey-Garlic Pork Belly Bites
These Crispy Honey-Garlic Pork Belly Bites are tender and juicy inside with deeply caramelized, crispy edges and a sticky sweet-garlic glaze. They’re perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or served over rice for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
For the pork belly:
- 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the honey-garlic glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the pork belly
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the pork belly cubes very dry with paper towels. This helps them develop a crispier exterior.
2. Season
Place the pork belly in a large bowl. Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Toss until every piece is well coated.
3. First bake
Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Leave a little space between the pieces.
Bake for 30 minutes.
4. Make the glaze
While the pork cooks, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, melted butter, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
Warm over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until combined. Don’t boil aggressively, as the honey can burn.
5. Crisp the pork
Remove the pork belly from the oven and carefully drain excess rendered fat if there is a lot in the pan.
Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Brush or toss the pork belly with about half of the honey-garlic glaze.
Return to the oven and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning the pieces once or twice, until deeply browned and crispy.
6. Glaze again
Brush the hot pork belly with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven for another 2–4 minutes, watching closely so the honey doesn’t burn.
The pork should be beautifully caramelized and crisp on the outside.
7. Serve
Let the bites rest for about 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a little fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Ideas
Serve these pork belly bites with:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pickles or a crisp cucumber salad
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy