Cooking Pork Belly in the Microwave – A Quick and Easy Guide

Pork belly is a deliciously fatty and flavorful cut of meat that is most often slowly braised or roasted in the oven But did you know you can also cook pork belly quickly and easily in the microwave?

As a busy home cook and mom, I’m always looking for ways to prepare tasty meals fast. I was skeptical at first about cooking pork belly in the microwave. But after some experimenting I’ve found it actually works incredibly well!

In this article, I’ll share my tips and step-by-step method for cooking juicy, tender pork belly in the microwave. You’ll learn:

• The benefits of microwave pork belly
• How to choose the right cut and prepare it
• Microwave power levels and cook times
• Step-by-step cooking directions
• Serving ideas and recipe inspirations

I’ll also provide troubleshooting advice for common issues when microwave cooking pork belly. Read on to become a microwave pork belly pro!

Why Cook Pork Belly in the Microwave?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of cooking pork belly in the microwave:

• It’s fast – Pork belly can cook in the microwave in less than an hour versus over 2 hours in the oven.

• Very convenient – Simply prep and place the pork belly in the microwave. No need to preheat the oven or watch a stove.

• Retains moisture – The microwave allows the pork belly to cook quickly while keeping it tender and juicy.

• Adds versatility – Microwaved pork belly can be used in all sorts of quick meals like rice bowls, sandwiches, ramen, etc.

• Easy cleanup – Unlike the oven or stovetop, microwave cooking minimizes splatters and drips for fast, easy cleanup.

While microwave cooking does have some limitations compared to traditional methods, it can be a handy technique for whipping up tasty pork belly on a hectic weeknight.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork Belly

The cut of pork belly you select will impact the results, so choose wisely:

• Go thick – At least 1 inch thick to prevent overcooking. Thinner slices will get tough and dry out.

• Get bone-in – The bone adds flavor and prevents the meat drying out. Boneless works too.

• Check for marbling – Some fat marbling is good but avoid big thick sections of hard fat.

• Select skin-on – The skin crisps up to add texture. But skinless pork belly will still be moist.

• Watch the width – Wider than 5 inches may not cook evenly. Long, narrow cuts are ideal.

• Verify freshness – The pork should look pale pink with white fat, not yellowed. Avoid any bad smells.

Ask your butcher for a nicely marbled, skin-on pork belly slice about 1.5 pounds and 1 inch thick. This size and shape cooks up well in the microwave.

Prepping Pork Belly for the Microwave

Proper prep is key to crispy skin and well-cooked meat when microwaving pork belly:

• Trim excess fat – Use a sharp knife to remove any very thick sections of hard fat.

• Score the skin – Make shallow crosshatch cuts about 1/2 inch apart to help render the fat.

• Season generously – Rub salt, pepper, spices, or marinades into the meat and skin.

• Pierce the meat – Use a fork to poke holes all over to allow steam to escape.

• Let sit uncovered – Chilling in the fridge uncovered for 8-24 hours helps dry out the skin.

Once prepped, place your pork belly on a microwave-safe dish and you’re ready to start cooking!

Microwave Settings for Pork Belly

Microwaving on the right power level is imperative to evenly cook pork belly without overdoing the edges. Here are some guidelines:

• High power – Only use to finish crisping the skin at the end for 1-2 minutes.

• Medium power – Good for thinner sliced pork belly around 1/2 inch thick.

• Low to medium-low – Best for thicker cuts 1 inch or more. Cooks the inside without burning the outside.

• Use 50% power for a 1-inch thick slice. Drop to 30-40% power for cuts 1.5 inches or thicker.

• Cook times can range from 15-45 minutes depending on thickness. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Get to know your microwave’s power levels. Lower wattage equals gentler, more even cooking for fork-tender pork belly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwave Pork Belly

Follow these steps for foolproof microwave pork belly:

1. Prep the pork – Choose a nice 1-1.5 inch thick slice, trim, score, season, and pierce as explained earlier. Let sit overnight uncovered in the fridge.

2. Place in the microwave – Put the pork belly slice on a microwave-safe plate or shallow dish. Make sure the meat side is facing down.

3. Cook on low to medium power – For a 1-inch thick slice, start at 50% power for 15 minutes, then flip and cook 15 more minutes. Check for doneness.

4. Flip and cook longer if needed – Pork belly should be very tender when pierced. If not, continue cooking in 3-5 minute intervals on 30-40% power until fork-tender.

5. Crisp the skin – If the skin isn’t crispy, cook skin-side up on high power for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Let rest before serving – Let the pork belly sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute.

The meat should be succulent and the skin crispy when microwaved properly. Be patient and use lower power levels for the best results.

Troubleshooting Microwave Pork Belly

Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

• Tough, chewy meat – Use lower power and cook longer. Check for doneness early and often. Pork continues cooking slightly after removed.

• Burnt edges, raw center – Always use lower power, 50% or less. Turn or rotate the dish during cooking. Cover edges with foil if severely burnt.

• No crispy skin – Make sure to score skin before cooking. Finish on high power 1-2 minutes. Broil or pan fry after microwaving if still soft.

• Off flavors – Use a clean microwave, cover pork, and skip plastic containers or bags. Bad smells mean the pork has spoiled.

With practice, you’ll learn the ideal power levels and cook times for your microwave to nail pork belly perfection every time.

Fun Ways to Use Microwave Pork Belly

Now that you’ve mastered how to cook pork belly in the microwave, here are some quick and easy meal ideas:

• Pork belly rice/grain bowls
• Pork belly ramen with soft boiled egg
• Bahn mi sandwiches with pickled veggies
• Tacos with crispy pork belly, salsa, and lime
• Stir fry with bok choy, carrots, and teriyaki sauce
• Lettuce wraps with hoisin sauce and fresh herbs
• Crispy pork belly salad with greens and vinaigrette
• Fried rice with pork belly, egg, and vegetables
• Noodle soup with pork belly and mushrooms

The possibilities are endless for incorporating microwave-cooked pork belly into fast and delicious meals! It adds hearty, tasty protein with minimal time and effort.

Juicy, Flavorful Microwaved Pork Belly

As you can see, cooking pork belly in the microwave is totally doable with a little technique and practice. The keys are choosing a properly thick cut, scoring the skin well, seasoning amply, and using lower microwave power levels.