Learn how to cook pork belly strips or slices. You can cook them in the oven, on the grill, in the frying pan, or in the air fryer; the methods are always easy, and the tender meat is incredibly hearty and delicious!
Cooking crispy pork belly strips or slices could not be easier. Learn several methods for cooking them; they are all quick and straightforward. And if you want to know how to cook a larger piece with crispy skin, look at this easy recipe for Slow-Cooker Pork Belly.
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Recipe ingredients
Pork belly slices or strips: You can buy them already cut, if available, or buy a whole slab and cut the meat yourself.
Spices: Salt and black pepper. For more flavor, add sweet and smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or/ and onion powder.
Prepare for cooking
Cut the pork belly into strips (if not already sliced).
Mix the spices in a small bowl and use the mixture to rub the strips.
Tips: Use a sturdy, large, sharp knife. It is always best to chill the meat before slicing.
If you have a large slab, you can even freeze it for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing, especially if you intend to cut it into very thin slices.
How to cook pork belly strips?
Oven method
My go-to method. It's pretty much hands-free; all you have to do is season the meat and shove it in the oven. I prefer thicker slices, about ยพ - 1 inch/ 2-2 ยฝ cm thick.
- Dry and season the slices.
- Arrange the strips on the tray and bake them until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through; it will take 30-40 minutes.
Pan fry method
- Slightly thinner slices, about ยฝ inch/ 1 ยฝ cm.
- Heat a large skillet (cast-iron skillet or another frying pan), but don't add fat; this fatty cut will render much fat.
Cook, flipping the slices often with tongs, until golden brown and crispy on both sides; 5-7 minutes per side.
Brush with sauce during the last 2-3 minutes. Turn the heat down and flip the meat often to coat it well.
Tips: If thereโs too much splatter, use a splatter screen. I wear long kitchen mittens or at least long sleeves โ those splatters can hurt.
Air fryer method
Use slightly thinner slices, about ยฝ inch/ 1 ยฝ cm.
Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping twice. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the slices. Check the internal temperature.
Glaze the pieces (if desired) with your favorite BBQ or Asian sweet chili sauce before serving.
Grill method
Thinner slices, about ยผ- ยฝ inch/ 6-12 mm. You can grill the pork belly strips on the heated outside grill or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
When grilling pork belly slices, I always buy already sliced meat. These slices are always thinner, about ยผ - ยฝ inch/ 6-12 mm thick.
Rub the meat with your favorite dry rub or marinate it in your favorite marinade. Leave it for 30 minutes at room temperature or for 3 to 12 hours in the fridge.
Grill the slices until slightly charred but not burnt; it doesn't take long, about 2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slice. Slather with your favorite BBQ sauce and turn it on the grill for another minute or two.
Safe internal temperature for pork belly
The cooking time always depends on the thickness of the sliced pork belly. It doesn't matter too much if the strips are longer or shorter, but it matters how thick they are.
The recommended temperature is 165ยฐF/ 74ยฐC. A good meat thermometer is worth it (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab).
If the slices are thin, the best way to check is to cut one in the middle; it will be obvious if the meat is cooked or not.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Then, reheat in the microwave.ย I don't recommend eating them cold; they are so fatty it would not be pleasant.
Freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Then, defrost in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Use the leftover pieces to make this delicious Sliced Pork Belly Sandwich or pork belly tacos.
How to serve pork belly strips?
The pork belly slices are best served immediately while still hot. They are very rich, so they are best served in small portions. For example, 1.7 lb/ 750 g will serve 6 people as a main course and 10 as a starter.
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How to Cook Pork Belly Strips
Ingredients
- 1.7 lb pork belly slices Note 1
- ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt Note 2
- โ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF/ 200ยฐC. Line a baking sheet with baking paper or aluminum foil.
- Rub the meat with all the mixed spices. 1.7 lb pork belly slices + ยฝ teaspoon fine sea salt + โ teaspoon ground black pepper + ยฝ teaspoon sweet paprika + ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika + ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- Bake for 30 - 40 minutes (depending on the thickness of the meat and your oven) until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature (165ยฐF/ 74ยฐC).
Pan:
- Heat a large skillet. Don't add fat; the belly will render a lot of fat. Instead, place the seasoned slices in the pan.
- Cook, often flipping with tongs. If there is too much splatter, use a splatter screen. The pieces should be golden brown and crispy on both sides. Cooking will take about 5-7 minutes per side. You can slice the meat thinner for a shorter cooking time.
- Glaze: Should you want to glaze the meat, discard the rendered fat first, or the dish will be too fatty. Add the sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of the cooking time. Lower the temperature and flip the slices frequently to coat them all over.
Air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer if necessary; mine needs 3 minutes preheating.
- Place the seasoned pork in the basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400ยฐF/ 200ยฐC for 12-15 minutes, flipping twice in between. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the slices. Check the internal temperature.
- Glaze the pieces (if desired) with your favorite BBQ or Asian sweet chili sauce before serving.
Grill:
- Slice: When grilling pork belly slices, I prefer to use thinner slices, about ยผ - ยฝ inch/ 6-12 mm thick.
- Rub the meat with the spices or your favorite dry rub at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also marinate the meat in your favorite marinade for at least 3 and up to 12 hours. When grilling, let any excess marinade drip off.
- Heat the grill. Grill the meat until slightly charred but not burnt, about 2 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Check the internal temperature or cut one piece in the middle to see if it's cooked through.
- Grill pan: You can cook the sliced pork belly in the grill pan the same way. It might need a few minutes longer but check.
Notes
- Thickness of the strips: For the oven method, the slices should be about ยพ - 1 inch/ 2-2 ยฝ cm thick. The cuts are slightly thinner for the pan and air fryer method, about ยฝ inch/ 1 ยฝ cm. I prefer even thinner slices for the grill method, about ยผ- ยฝ inch/ 6-12 mm thick.
- You can season the strips with only salt and pepper; the other spices are optional. You can also season the pork with any other spices/dry rubs you like.
Rose Fuda says
First time making and trying pork belly. What a simple and delicious recipe!
Thanks for sharing!
Adina says
So Happy to hear it. Thanks for the feedback.
Dave M says
Very delish. Not sure if what we got was boneless country style pork ribs labeled as pork belly but this recipe was awesome!!!
Adina says
So happy to hear it worked, Dave. Thank you.
Victoria says
Is it OK to cover with foil in the oven? I'm not looking forward to cleaning afterwards but they sound so good.
Adina says
I would not cover them, they would steam instead of roasting.
Lindsay says
Just done in my air fryer turned out fantastic will definitely use again
Me says
Nice job, succinct and helpful your write up and pics are for my first foray into preparing thick cut pork belly. I'm going with your suggestion and recipe--in the oven with sweet and smoked paprika and garlic powder, salt and pepper. thanks again
Lily Yee says
I chose to use the oven bake method and my Breville Smart Oven. Added some Applewood Rub and Convection Oven Roasted @ 375ยฐF in a cold oven for 28 minutes.Flipped halfway. Pork Belly Strips are really good cooked this easy way.