Finding Pork Belly Near You: A Guide to Sourcing the Most Succulent Cut of Pork

Pork belly has become a trendy cut of meat, beloved for making crispy crackling, succulent braises, and decadent dishes like bacon or char siu. But this fatty, flavorful cut can still be tricky to source depending on where you live. I’ve done the research to track down all the best places to buy pork belly close to home.

What Exactly is Pork Belly?

For those unfamiliar with the cut, pork belly comes from the underside section of a pig, comprising multiple layers of fat and meat. It’s the same part of the anatomy that gets cured and sliced into bacon Fresh pork belly has luscious marbling that keeps the meat tender and infuses it with rich, meaty flavor The layer of fat on top helps pork belly achieve crispy perfection when roasted or fried. At its best, pork belly should have streaks of lean meat interlaced with fat, with an even thickness throughout the slab.

Why Can Pork Belly Be Hard to Find?

Pork belly was once an unpopular cut mostly used to make cheap bacon. But the rise of Asian and Latin cuisine has made pork belly a beloved staple. Nowadays, high demand can make fresh pork belly harder to source from standard grocery stores and markets. Special ordering from local butchers or seeking out Asian/Latin specialty markets is often necessary to get your pork belly fix!

Where to Find Pork Belly Near You

Butcher Shops & Meat Markets

Your best bet for finding fresh, high-quality pork belly is visiting a local butcher shop or meat market. A good butcher will have relationships with pork suppliers to source whole bellies and can slice you off pieces to your desired size and thickness. Farmers markets sometimes have vendors selling pasture-raised pork including fresh belly.

Asian & Latin Markets

Ethnic grocery stores are another go-to place, especially Asian and Latin American markets. Cuts like pork belly are more integrated into the cuisines of these cultures Check the meat cases and freezer sections for vacuum-packed pork belly slices or whole slabs

Online Mail Order

Several online butchers and specialty meat companies like Porter Road, Crowd Cow, and Snake River Farms sell premium pork belly shipped frozen to your door. Prices are higher but the quality is top-notch if local sources disappoint.

Big Box Stores

While not a reliable option, major grocery chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Walmart may carry whole pork bellies in their meat departments depending on location and seasonality. You often have to specially request them from behind the butcher counter.

Tips for Cooking Pork Belly at Home

Once you’ve sourced some porky treasure, here are some tips to make the most of that belly:

• Choose thicker, more evenly sized slabs when possible to ensure even cooking.

• Let the belly rest out of the packaging for 10-20 minutes before cooking to take off the fridge chill.

• Carefully score the skin side before roasting to help render the fat and achieve crispy crackling.

• Cook low and slow over a rack to allow rendering fat to drip away from the meat.

• Brining helps keep the pork belly juicy and enhances seasoning penetration.

• Internal temp should hit at least 195°F-205°F to completely meltconnective tissue and fat.

• Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and firm up.

Favorite Recipes for Pork Belly

Once you’ve got your precious pork belly, here are some of my favorite preparations:

• Crispy Roast Pork Belly – Rubbed with spices and roasted over a rack until fall-apart tender with crackly skin.

• Braised Pork Belly – Slow cooked in aromatics until meltingly tender for tacos, ramen bowls, or over rice.

• Char Siu – Chinese BBQ glazed with honey, hoisin, and aromatic spices.

• Chashu – Japanese ramen favorite that gets rolled and braised in a savory sauce.

• Carnitas – Mexican pulled pork simmered in lard or oil until beautifully crisped.

Is Hunting Down Pork Belly Worth the Effort?

In my book, getting your hands on rich and fatty pork belly is absolutely worth seeking out specialty sources. This cut was made to be transformed into succulent, finger-licking deliciousness with just a bit of seasoning and the right cooking method. The end result is incredibly moist, packed with porky flavor, and decadently crispy. Once you experience a perfect plate of pork belly, you’ll be hooked! Any destination is fair game in the pursuit of porky bliss.