Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Pat the pork belly cubes very dry with paper towels to help them brown properly and develop crispy edges.
- 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
- 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.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through.
Glazing
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
