Slow Cooker Pork Belly

Delicious Slow Cooker Pork Belly Recipe

A Japanese Delight for a Korean

There’s something incredibly comforting about the scent of Slow Cooker Pork Belly filling the house on a chilly evening. My love for this dish began during a trip to Japan, where I experienced the most amazing pork belly ramen. The pork was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, while the crispy exterior provided a perfect contrast in texture. I was instantly captivated by the flavors and textures, and I knew I had to recreate that unforgettable experience at home.

Back in my kitchen, I started experimenting with different cuts of pork, spices, and cooking techniques. While I love the traditional methods of braising, I wanted something that required less hands-on time but still delivered that rich, succulent flavor. That’s when I turned to my trusty slow cooker.

Making Slow Cooker Pork Belly At Home

The first time I made this Slow Cooker Pork Belly, it was an absolute revelation. The slow cooker allowed the pork to become incredibly tender, while still retaining all the flavors of the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. But the real magic happened when I transferred the pork belly to a hot pan to sear it. That sizzle, followed by the smell of caramelized pork, was pure heaven.

I’ve made this dish countless times since, tweaking and perfecting the recipe along the way. Whether I’m serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a comforting dinner, or slicing it thin to add to a steaming bowl of ramen, this pork belly never fails to impress. It’s become one of those go-to recipes that I turn to when I want to treat myself or wow my guests. And the best part? It’s deceptively simple to make, thanks to the slow cooker. This dish is a true labor of love, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Chef’s Notes – Slow Cooker Pork Belly

• Patience is key: Let the pork cook low and slow in the slow cooker for the most tender results. Rushing the process will compromise the texture.
• Searing for perfection: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the pork belly for searing. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. You can also try this Korean Pork Dumpling recipe for more pork dishes!
• Flavor boost: Consider adding a splash of rice wine or a dash of honey to the marinade for added depth of flavor.
• Serving suggestions: This Slow Cooker Pork Belly pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or in a ramen broth. For a fun twist, try serving it in bao buns with pickled veggies.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Slow-Cooked Pork Belly

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Chinese, JapaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

15

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Total time

4

hours 

30

minutes

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Slow-Cooked Pork Belly recipe! Perfectly seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this dish is slow-cooked to tender perfection and then seared to a crispy finish. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes and veggies or incorporating it into a ramen broth, this versatile recipe is sure to impress. Dive into this culinary delight and elevate your home-cooking game!

Ingredients

• For the Pork Belly

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 3 teaspoons coarse sea salt

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2.5 pounds pork belly, cut into long strips with fat intact but rind removed

• For the Base

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced

Directions

• Seasoning the Pork: Combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, coarse sea salt, and soy sauce in a bowl. Rub this mixture thoroughly over the pork belly strips ensuring even coverage.
• Slow Cooking: Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork belly strips on top of the onions. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours.
• Searing the Pork: After 4 hours, carefully remove the pork belly strips from the slow cooker. Transfer them to a nonstick pan along with a generous spoonful of the cooking juices. Sear on high heat, turning occasionally until all sides are browned and the liquid has evaporated (about 10-15 minutes).
• Serving Suggestions: Slice or cut the pork belly into wedges. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables. Optionally, use the pork belly in a ramen noodle broth or bao buns.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• slow cooker
• nonstick pan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 600kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 2IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 4mg
• Iron: 10mg

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  Cooks in 1460 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Dive into the world of tangy and crunchy delights with this Quick Pickled Veggies recipe! Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal, these pickles are easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. Get ready to impress your taste buds with every bite!

  Cuisine: Korean, Southern Recipes
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  Korean Pork Dumplings

  Cooks in 290 minutesDifficulty: Medium

  Dive into the world of Korean cuisine with these mouthwatering pork dumplings! Perfect for any occasion, these dumplings are easy to make, freeze well, and can be enjoyed fried, steamed, or in a soup. This recipe is a family favorite and a great way to keep your loved ones well-fed without breaking the bank. Let’s make these delightful dumplings together and savor every bite!

  Cuisine: Korean

FAQs – Slow Cooker Pork Belly