Exploring the Versatility of Pork Belly Strips
What kind of meat is pork belly?
People sometimes have a preconception that pork belly is a cut that’s off-limits to home cooks, either due to the equipment required or the techniques. Oftentimes, it’s the size of the cut combined with its high fat content that can be intimidating for first timers. Although even seasoned grillers might not be aware of the many ways in which pork belly strips can be used. This post is filled with cooking inspiration for pork belly strips that you can bring to your next BBQ event.
As you might be able to guess from the name, pork belly comes from the stomach area of the pig. This cut contains a high amount of fat and connective tissue. While this might sound unappealing, it’s the fat that gives BBQ pork belly a signature bold flavour. This pork cut is beloved for its rich, succulent texture and deep flavour. Pork belly strips in particular, offer a convenient size and shape for a variety of cooking methods, making them a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes.
Your online butcher for BBQ meats
Just like your local butcher, our team is on hand to answer any questions you might have about cooking large meat cuts. Cutting pork belly into strips is a simple way to unlock a wealth of cooking and serving options. This makes pork belly strips one of the standout choices for BBQ events, special occasions, or even weeknight meals. Contact The Village Butchers today or simply order your meat online.
How to cook pork belly strips
A whole pork belly requires a long cook time with lots of preparation to render fat and obtain that beautiful crispy skin. In contrast, pork belly strips are smaller and more versatile in their potential cooking application.
Grilled pork belly strips
To grill strips of pork belly on a BBQ, first preheat the bars to medium-high. For this method, it’s highly recommended to brush the strips with a glaze to add flavour, prevent the meat sticking, and encourage caramelisation. It should take just 3-4 minutes per side to achieve a solid char. Once cooked, the pork belly strips can be served in a broad range of different ways. For instance, as pork belly tacos.
Crispy roast pork belly strips
These crispy pork belly strips are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a main course. Simply preheat an oven to 200°C and roast for 30-40 minutes with the skin facing up. You are then left with crispy strips of pork belly which are perfect for snacking. Try serving with an apple or sweet chilli sauce for dipping.
View our Teriyaki Pork Belly recipe for a delicious family dinner.
Slow-cooked pork belly strips
For slow cooking pork belly, first marinate the meat for a few hours or overnight. When it comes time to start the cooking, place the strips and place in a slow cooker or large pot. Leave on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Serve the slow-cooked pork belly strips over steamed rice or noodles, topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The marinade can then be reduced and used as a flavourful sauce. See our recipe for Sticky Pork Belly for a step-by-step guide.