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slow-cooked pork belly with apple cider glaze

Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze

Norah Kay
This slow-cooked pork belly with apple cider glaze is melt-in-your-mouth tender, thanks to the low-and-slow cooking method. The apple cider glaze offers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness that complements the rich, savory pork belly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Gourmet
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Equipment and Appliances
  • Slow cooker or oven-safe roasting dish (Check options on Amazon Buy here)
  • Skillet for searing (Buy a cast iron skillet Buy here)
  • Saucepan for glaze reduction
  • Sharp knife for scoring the pork belly (Buy quality knives Buy here)

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork belly skin scored
  • 1 cup apple cider get it from Amazon Buy here
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar organic preferred, Amazon Buy here
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar optional, for extra tanginess
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Optional ½ tsp cinnamon for extra warmth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

Instructions:

    Prepare the Pork Belly:

    • Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and score the skin in a crisscross pattern. Season generously with salt and pepper, rubbing it into the cuts.
    • For extra flavor, rub in some crushed garlic and cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.

    Sear the Pork Belly:

    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly, skin-side down, until it’s golden and crispy (about 5 minutes). Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

    Slow-Cooking:

    • Transfer the pork belly to a slow cooker or oven-safe dish. Pour ½ cup of apple cider and the soy sauce over the pork belly. Add fresh thyme and garlic cloves.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours in the slow cooker, or at 325°F in the oven for about 3 hours, until tender and juicy.

    Make the Apple Cider Glaze:

    • In a small saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup apple cider, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces into a thick glaze (about 10 minutes).
    • If desired, add a touch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra warmth.

    Glazing the Pork Belly:

    • Once the pork belly is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and brush generously with the apple cider glaze. Transfer it to the oven under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze caramelizes and the skin crisps up.

    Serve and Enjoy:

    • Slice the pork belly into portions and drizzle with any remaining apple cider glaze. Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

    Nutritional Information (per serving):

    • Calories: 550
    • Protein: 20g
    • Fat: 45g
    • Carbohydrates: 10g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 8g

    Notes

    Cooking Tips:
    For Crispy Skin: After slow-cooking, place the pork belly under a hot broiler for the last few minutes to achieve that irresistible crispy skin.
    Alternative Glaze: Try swapping apple cider for balsamic vinegar and honey for a different, yet delicious twist.
    Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or even a fresh apple slaw.
    Keyword apple cider glaze, fall recipe, pork belly recipe, slow-cooked pork belly