Coles thin pork belly slices are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in endless tasty ways. When cooked properly these thin slices become melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside with an incredibly crispy crackling exterior. Follow this complete guide to learn foolproof techniques for choosing the best pork belly, proper seasoning and marinating, pan frying, air frying, grilling, and more. You’ll be serving restaurant-quality pork belly in no time!
Choosing High-Quality Pork Belly
When selecting pork belly at the grocery store or butcher shop, look for slices that are about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick with streaks of meat and fat evenly distributed. Avoid pieces that are too fatty or too thin and uneven. The fat content gives pork belly its signature rich, savory flavor when cooked, so don’t trim too much.
For air frying or grilling, opt for slices that are uniform in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If pan frying slightly thicker slices work better. You can always slice a whole pork belly slab yourself for perfect portion control.
The Importance of Proper Seasoning
Seasoning is key for drawing out the flavor of pork belly. For basic seasoning, coat both sides with salt and pepper. For more flavor, use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, etc.
Create a wet marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic to infuse an Asian zing. For a Cajun kick, marinate in hot sauce, brown sugar, oregano, garlic, and black pepper. Let marinate 30 min to overnight.
Pan Frying for Crispy, Golden Perfection
Pan frying is a quick and easy method for achieving deliciously crispy pork belly. Use a heavy pan and heat over medium-high. Place slices in the dry pan without overlapping. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing occasionally with a spatula, until golden brown.
To check if cooked through, slice a piece in half – meat should no longer be pink. Drain excess fat as needed. Top with salt and pepper or drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
Air Frying for Maximum Crunch
Air frying pulls moisture out of the pork belly, yielding an incredibly crispy texture. Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Brush slices with oil or marinade and place in a single layer, without overlap. Cook 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Increase time for thicker slices. Air frying renders fat out, giving you crispy crackling without the greasy mess. Sprinkle with a spice blend or dip in sauce.
Grilling for Smoky, Charred Goodness
Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavor to pork belly. Medium heat works best. Grill over direct heat just until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat and close the lid to finish cooking through, 10-15 minutes more.
Use tongs to flip and avoid poking, which causes juices to escape. Brush with a glaze or sauce during last few minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Sauces and Glazes to Take it to the Next Level
After cooking, drizzle or brush pork belly with sauce to balance the richness:
- Sweet and sticky barbecue sauce
- Gochujang sauce – Korean hot pepper paste
- Fresh citrus juice like lime, lemon or orange
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic
- Hoisin sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger
- Teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seeds
- Hot sauce mixed with brown sugar and butter
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
- Chopped pork belly fried rice or noodle bowls
- Tacos, sandwiches, or pizza topped with pork belly
- Salad with grilled pork belly and vinaigrette
- Ramen with soy-glazed pork belly
- Pork belly lettuce wraps with hoisin sauce
- Avocado toast topped with crispy pork belly
- Breakfast hash with potatoes, eggs, and pork belly
- Pork belly strips in miso soup or broth bowls
- Steamed buns filled with sliced pork belly
- Cuban sandwich with sliced pork belly
Cooking up Coles thin pork belly slices is truly foolproof when you follow these techniques. Well-seasoned, pan fried, air fried or grilled, these crispy slices of heaven are sure to be a hit at any meal. Let rendered fat drain before serving. Pair with complementary sauces and try in a variety of recipes. Perfectly cooked pork belly is just minutes away!
How To Cook Pork Belly Strips PERFECTLY!
FAQ
How do you cook Coles pork belly slices?
How long to cook thin pork belly?
How to cook Aldi pork belly slices?
What is thinly sliced pork belly called?
How to cook thin sliced pork belly?
Vegetables or side dishes of your choice to complete the meal. Before cooking, it’s best to marinate your thin sliced pork belly to enhance the flavors. Start by placing the slices in a bowl or Ziploc bag, then add your marinade of choice. Ensure all the slices are well-coated and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
How do you cook a pork belly in a pan?
Pan-frying is a popular method for cooking pork belly slices quickly. Here’s how to do it: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the pork belly slices, skin side down, in the heated pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
How long to cook thin sliced pork belly?
Cooking time for thin sliced pork belly will depend on the cooking method and thickness of the slices. Generally, it takes around 2-3 minutes per side when pan-frying, 4-5 minutes per side when grilling, and 10-15 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C). However, it’s crucial to monitor the pork belly closely to avoid overcooking.
How do you cook thin sliced pork belly in a wok?
Start preparing your thin-sliced pork belly by slicing the pork into a quarter of an inch thick and about an inch wide. Place the wok over high heat. Once the wok is hot enough, add the thin pork belly slices — spread them around the wok ( photo 1 ). Cook for about twenty minutes, mixing often.