What is Pork Belly? (2024)

Pork belly is the flesh from the belly area of the pig. When sliced and cured, it becomes bacon. Left whole or cut into smaller chunks, pork belly responds well to moist heat cooking, turning it fork-tender.

What is Pork Belly

Pork belly is an inexpensive, fatty cut of meat from the underside of the pig near the loin. Spareribs also come from this area. Whole, the belly is one long piece with the skin on, weighing about 12 pounds. When the skin is removed, it's salted, cured and smoked to make bacon. (If it's salted and cured but not smoked, it's Italian pancetta.) Pork bellies are more traditionally seen in the cuisines of northern Europe and Asia.

How to Cook Pork Belly

To break down the connective tissue in the meat, pork belly is best slow-cooked for a tender chew and to render the fat silky-soft. The belly can also be cut into smaller pieces and prepared in the same manner. To crisp the skin, score it and then sear or broil at the end. In either scenario, rub the skin with just salt or try a spice blend to enhance flavor. If time allows, let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to intensify the seasoning and dry out the skin which will help it crisp better. Once cooked, make sure the juices run clear and the meat can easily be pierced with the tip of a knife. The amount of fat varies from pig to pig, so be sure to give the belly enough time to properly cook for a meltingly tender result.

What is Pork Belly? (2)

What is Pork Belly? (3)

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What is Pork Belly? (5)

What Does Pork Belly Taste Like?

The meat of the pork belly has a mild taste, much like the loin. The rich, unctuous flavor comes from the layer of fat that breaks down and enrobes the meat. Because of this, bright fresh ingredients like citrus, fresh herbs, scallions, lettuce, and cucumber often accompany pork belly dishes to offset the richness.

Pork Belly Recipes

Pork belly is used in dishes that apply slow heat and/or moist heat to get soft and tender meat. If the skin is kept on, it can be crisped at the end under the broiler or seared in a pan.

Where to Buy Pork Belly

Once only found in larger butcher shops or Asian markets, the popularity of pork belly has created demand for it in some better-stocked grocery stores, supermarket chains, and box stores. It can come whole with a thick layer of skin or cut into thin strips ready for making bacon.

How to Store Pork Belly

Sealed, well-wrapped, raw pork belly will keep in the fridge (40℉ or below) for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer (0℉ or below), for up to 6 months. Refrigerate any leftovers in a tightly sealed container for 2 or 3 days.

What is Pork Belly? (2024)

FAQs

What is pork belly in a bill? ›

Pork-barrel projects, which differ from earmarks, are added to the federal budget by members of the appropriation committees of the United States Congress. This allows the delivery of federal funds to the local district or state of the appropriation committee member, often accommodating major campaign contributors.

What kind of meat is pork belly? ›

Pork belly comes from a hog's belly' or underside after the loin and spareribs have been removed. Fresh pork belly is succulent and richly flavorful and is often served in small portions. Pork belly is at its best and is most tender when prepared using a slow cooking method, such as braising.

Is pork belly basically bacon? ›

Large slabs of meat are cut from the underside of the pig, known as pork belly. The pork belly is later seasoned, smoked, and sliced to make bacon. Many producers cure the meat by adding synthetic nitrates or nitrites and also choose to add sugar.

What is a pork belly? ›

pork belly noun [C or U] (MEAT)

a piece of meat from the stomach or soft lower part of a pig's body: We shared crispy pork belly with noodles. One of the highlights of the evening was the roast pork belly.

What is pork belly in financial terms? ›

Pork bellies are literally the cut of pork from the belly of a pig. For many Americans, they became an icon of futures trading. Pork belly futures were a pioneering financial instrument when they were introduced in 1961, but they were phased out in 2011 due to declining market interest and changes in the bacon market.

What is pork belly called in America? ›

In American cuisine, bacon is most often made from pork bellies. Salt pork is also made from pork bellies, which is commonly used for making soups and stews.

What is pork belly called at the grocery store? ›

Pork belly is just “pork belly”. It can sometimes be found in supermarkets in America labeled as such. However, Americans don't frequently eat pork belly that hasn't been cured. They prefer a cured form of pork belly known here as “Bacon”.

Is eating pork belly healthy? ›

Yes, pork belly can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods. Is pork belly high in cholesterol? Pork belly does contain cholesterol, but dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than previously believed. However, moderation is still key.

What's another name for pork belly? ›

What is another word for pork belly?
baconguanciale
pancettalardoon
lardonslab bacon

Is it cheaper to buy pork belly or bacon? ›

Per pound, bacon tends to be priced higher than pork belly. It requires more processing and a longer time from farm to table since it must be smoked and cured before its trip to the grocery store.

Can I fry pork belly like bacon? ›

Thaw sliced pork belly. Heat dry cast iron skillet over med/medium low heat (about 4 out of 10). Fry bacon to desired crispness, turning at least once. Immediately after removing bacon from skillet, salt to taste with sea salt.

What does pork belly taste like? ›

Pork belly has a rich, savory flavor with a slightly sweet and slightly salty taste. It has a high-fat content, which gives it a rich, succulent flavor when it is cooked. The taste of pork belly can vary depending on how it is cooked and what it is served with.

What is so great about pork belly? ›

Because pork belly consists mostly of fat, this serving size packs up to 585 calories, 60 grams of total fat, and 22 grams of saturated fat ( 1 ). However, it's also an excellent source of B vitamins, as well as a source of other important nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, iron, and copper ( 1 ).

How to pick a good pork belly? ›

Covered by a firm, creamy layer of fat, this will produce the best crackling. These points normally indicate quality meat, so avoid buying pork belly with a brown or greyish hue to it. Pork belly can come with or without bones, and while boneless is easier, when cooked, the bones are easily removable.

Is pork belly called side pork? ›

Side pork is pristine, no-ingredients-added pork belly, sliced up and ready to fry. We like to call it naked bacon because it comes from the same cut as bacon, but no ingredients or processing has been added to the meat.

What is a pork belly contract? ›

Pork Bellies definition translates to a commodity traded in the futures market in financial terms. Remember we had spoken about the volatile fluctuations in the pig market? Pork Bellies meaning is the hedge against a potential price hike using futures as a commodity.

What is an example of an earmark? ›

Earmarks Include: Add-ons. If the Administration asks for $100 million for formula grants, for example, and Congress provides $110 million and places restrictions (such as site-specific locations) on the additional $10 million, the additional $10 million is counted as an earmark. Carve-outs.

Is pork belly the same as pork ribs? ›

Pork Belly: Pork belly comes from a hog's “belly” or underside after the loin and spareribs have been removed. This boneless cut may be served fresh, which means it is not cured or smoked. It's high in fat and full of flavor.

Is pork belly the same as brisket? ›

While brisket and pork belly are distinct cuts from different animals, they share some similarities. Pork brisket is created from pork belly. Both have a generous amount of fat, which, when smoked slowly, renders into the meat, imparting a deep, rich flavor.

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