This Honey-Glazed Crispy Pork Belly is pure comfort — a combination of crackling-crisp skin, juicy meat, and a sticky-sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. The pork is slow-roasted to tenderness, then brushed with a golden honey glaze and crisped to perfection. It’s a show-stopping dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
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2 lbs pork belly, skin on
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1 tablespoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Honey Glaze
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3 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Marinating time: 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
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Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes active (plus marinating)
Serving
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Serves 4–6
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork Belly:
Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat. -
Season the Meat:
Rub the underside of the pork belly with salt, pepper, five-spice powder, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Leave the skin side dry and rub it with just a bit of salt and oil. -
Marinate:
Place the pork belly uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to dry out the skin. -
Roast the Pork:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pork belly on a rack in a baking tray lined with foil. Roast for 1 hour, skin side up, until the meat is tender and the skin is starting to blister. -
Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Glaze and Crisp:
Remove pork from the oven and brush generously with the honey glaze. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for another 20–25 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the skin is crisp and golden. -
Rest and Serve:
Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Serve with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or in bao buns.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 510
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Protein: 27g
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Fat: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Sugar: 10g
Tips
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For the crispiest skin, make sure the pork skin is completely dry before roasting.
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You can air-dry it uncovered in the fridge overnight for best results.
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If you prefer a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to the glaze.
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Leftovers can be reheated under the broiler or in an air fryer to restore crispiness.
This Honey-Glazed Crispy Pork Belly is the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, and sweetness — a dish that turns an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.
