There’s a special kind of excitement that happens when a tray of perfectly crispy pork belly bites lands on the table. Conversations pause, people reach for seconds before finishing their first bite, and somehow the platter is empty within minutes.
The secret isn't a complicated marinade or a cabinet full of spices. It's all about letting a few simple ingredients work their magic. With crispy crackling, juicy meat, and a sticky sweet glaze, these pork belly bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly little effort.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, game day gathering, or family dinner, this easy recipe is guaranteed to steal the show.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Only 3 main ingredients
- ✔️ Crispy, crunchy crackling
- ✔️ Tender, juicy pork
- ✔️ Sweet and savory glaze
- ✔️ Perfect party appetizer
- ✔️ Great for BBQs and gatherings
🛒 Ingredients
The "Holy Trinity"
- 2–3 lbs skin-on pork belly 🐷
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt 🧂
- ¼ cup high-quality honey or pure maple syrup 🍯
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Pat the pork belly completely dry using paper towels.
Dry skin is essential for achieving crispy crackling.
Using a sharp knife, score the skin lightly in a crosshatch pattern without cutting deeply into the meat.
Step 2: Salt the Skin
Rub the coarse salt generously over the skin and all sides of the pork belly.
Place uncovered in the refrigerator for at least:
- 8 hours
- Preferably overnight
This helps draw moisture from the skin and improves crispiness.
Step 3: Roast Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a baking tray.
Roast for 2 to 2½ hours until the meat becomes tender and much of the fat has rendered.
Step 4: Cut Into Bites
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
Cut into bite-sized cubes.
Step 5: Glaze and Crisp
Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
Place the pork belly cubes in a bowl and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Toss gently to coat.
Arrange on a baking tray with space between each piece.
Roast for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
The glaze should caramelize and the skin should become beautifully crisp.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve hot while the crackling is at its crispiest.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
