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Crispy pork belly bites garnished and ready to serve

Crispy Pork Belly Bites

Crispy Pork Belly Bites are a delicious treat featuring a perfect balance of crunchy skin and tender meat, ideal for snacking or as a main dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the pork belly
  • 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
For the glaze
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the pork belly cubes very dry with paper towels to help them brown properly and develop crispy edges.
  2. Place the pork belly in a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and thyme. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the pork belly pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through.
Glazing
  1. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
  2. Remove the pork belly from the oven and carefully drain any excess rendered fat from the pan. Toss the crispy pork belly bites with the glaze.
  3. Return the glazed pork to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, turning once, until the outside is deeply caramelized and crispy.
Serving
  1. Let the pork belly bites rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top.

Notes

These bites can be served hot or warm, delightful on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or creamy ranch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to re-crisp.