Pork belly, a dish that has gained immense popularity in recent years, is a culinary delight that can be cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The slow cooker method allows for a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork belly that is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking a delicious pork belly in a slow cooker.
Understanding Pork Belly
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what pork belly is and how it’s different from other cuts of pork. Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat that comes from the underside of the pig. It’s the same cut of meat that is used to make bacon, but it’s not cured or smoked. Pork belly is known for its rich, unctuous flavor and tender texture.
Choosing the Right Pork Belly
When selecting a pork belly, look for a cut that is at least 2 pounds in weight. This will ensure that you have enough meat to feed a crowd. You can choose either a boneless or bone-in pork belly, depending on your preference. Boneless pork belly is easier to slice and serve, while bone-in pork belly is more flavorful and tender.
Factors to Consider When Buying Pork Belly
When buying pork belly, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Look for a pork belly with a good balance of fat and meat. A pork belly that is too fatty may be difficult to cook evenly.
- Choose a pork belly that is fresh and has a good color. A fresh pork belly should have a pinkish-red color and a slightly sweet smell.
- Consider the size of the pork belly. A larger pork belly may be more difficult to cook evenly, while a smaller pork belly may be more tender.
Preparing the Pork Belly for Slow Cooking
Before cooking the pork belly, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Trimming the Fat
Trim any excess fat from the pork belly, if necessary. This will help the pork belly cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
Seasoning the Pork Belly
Season the pork belly with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a dry rub or a marinade, depending on your preference. Some popular seasonings for pork belly include brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Scoring the Fat
Score the fat on the pork belly in a crisscross pattern. This will help the fat render more easily and create a crispy, caramelized crust on the pork belly.
Cooking the Pork Belly in a Slow Cooker
Now that the pork belly is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here are the steps to follow:
Adding the Pork Belly to the Slow Cooker
Place the pork belly in the slow cooker, fat side up. This will help the fat render more easily and create a crispy, caramelized crust on the pork belly.
Adding Liquid to the Slow Cooker
Add your desired liquid to the slow cooker. You can use stock, wine, or a combination of both. The liquid should cover the pork belly completely.
Cooking the Pork Belly
Cook the pork belly on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You can also cook the pork belly on a combination of low and high heat, depending on your schedule.
Temperature and Cooking Time
Here is a temperature and cooking time guide for cooking pork belly in a slow cooker:
| Temperature | Cooking Time |
| — | — |
| Low (275°F) | 8-10 hours |
| High (300°F) | 4-6 hours |
Finishing the Pork Belly
Once the pork belly is cooked, it’s time to finish it. Here are the steps to follow:
Removing the Pork Belly from the Slow Cooker
Remove the pork belly from the slow cooker and place it on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
Glazing the Pork Belly
Glaze the pork belly with your desired glaze. You can use a sweet glaze, such as honey and brown sugar, or a savory glaze, such as soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Browning the Pork Belly
Brown the pork belly under the broiler or with a kitchen torch. This will create a crispy, caramelized crust on the pork belly.
Serving the Pork Belly
Once the pork belly is finished, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few ideas for serving pork belly:
Slicing the Pork Belly
Slice the pork belly into thin strips. You can serve the pork belly on its own or with your desired sides.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for pork belly:
- Serve the pork belly with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and carrots.
- Serve the pork belly with mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Serve the pork belly with a side of braised greens, such as kale and collard greens.
Conclusion
Cooking a pork belly in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to prepare this culinary delight. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork belly that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, cooking a pork belly in a slow cooker is a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine.
Additional Tips and Variations
Here are a few additional tips and variations to keep in mind when cooking a pork belly in a slow cooker:
Using a Slow Cooker with a Temperature Control
If you have a slow cooker with a temperature control, you can cook the pork belly at a specific temperature. This will help you achieve a more consistent texture and flavor.
Adding Aromatics to the Slow Cooker
You can add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the slow cooker with the pork belly. This will add extra flavor to the dish.
Using a Pork Belly with a Rind
If you’re using a pork belly with a rind, you can score the rind in a crisscross pattern. This will help the rind render more easily and create a crispy, caramelized crust on the pork belly.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and unique pork belly dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What is the ideal size of pork belly for slow cooking?
The ideal size of pork belly for slow cooking depends on the number of people you are serving and the size of your slow cooker. A 2-3 pound pork belly is a good size for 4-6 people and can fit in most standard-sized slow cookers. If you have a larger slow cooker, you can use a bigger pork belly, but keep in mind that it may take longer to cook.
It’s also important to consider the thickness of the pork belly. A thicker pork belly will take longer to cook than a thinner one. If you have a thicker pork belly, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook the pork belly for a longer period of time to ensure that it is tender and falls apart easily.
How do I prepare the pork belly before slow cooking?
Before slow cooking the pork belly, you need to prepare it by scoring the skin and seasoning it with your desired spices and herbs. Scoring the skin helps to create a crispy crackling on the outside, while the seasonings add flavor to the meat. You can use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
Once you have scored the skin, rub the pork belly all over with your desired seasonings, making sure to get some under the skin as well. You can use a mixture of salt, pepper, brown sugar, and spices, or you can use a pre-made rub. Let the pork belly sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat before slow cooking.
What is the best liquid to use for slow cooking pork belly?
The best liquid to use for slow cooking pork belly is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include stock, wine, and barbecue sauce. Stock adds moisture and flavor to the pork belly, while wine adds a rich and depth of flavor. Barbecue sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor, but be careful not to use too much as it can make the pork belly too sweet.
You can also use a combination of liquids to create a braising liquid that complements the flavors of the pork belly. For example, you can use a mixture of stock and wine, or stock and barbecue sauce. The key is to use enough liquid to cover the pork belly and to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
How long does it take to slow cook pork belly?
The cooking time for slow cooking pork belly depends on the size and thickness of the pork belly, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes 8-10 hours to slow cook a 2-3 pound pork belly on low heat. If you are using a larger pork belly, you may need to cook it for 10-12 hours.
It’s also important to check the pork belly periodically to ensure that it is tender and falls apart easily. You can use a fork to test the tenderness of the meat, and if it’s not tender, you can continue to cook it for another hour or two. Keep in mind that the pork belly will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the slow cooker, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and undercook it slightly.
Can I slow cook pork belly on high heat?
While it’s possible to slow cook pork belly on high heat, it’s not recommended. Cooking the pork belly on high heat can cause it to cook too quickly, leading to tough and dry meat. Slow cooking the pork belly on low heat allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Additionally, cooking the pork belly on low heat helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and falls apart easily. If you’re short on time, you can cook the pork belly on high heat for a shorter period of time, but keep in mind that the results may not be as tender and flavorful as cooking it on low heat.
How do I crisp the skin of the pork belly after slow cooking?
To crisp the skin of the pork belly after slow cooking, you can use a few different methods. One method is to place the pork belly under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Another method is to use a kitchen torch to crisp the skin, which can be more precise and controlled.
You can also try pan-frying the pork belly in a hot skillet with some oil to crisp the skin. This method can add a nice crunch to the skin, but be careful not to burn the skin. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on the pork belly to ensure that the skin doesn’t burn or become too crispy.
Can I refrigerate or freeze slow-cooked pork belly?
Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze slow-cooked pork belly. In fact, refrigerating or freezing the pork belly can help to make it even more tender and flavorful. To refrigerate the pork belly, let it cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
To freeze the pork belly, let it cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pork belly can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.