These Crispy Garlic Butter Pork Belly Bites are irresistibly delicious, featuring golden, crispy edges and tender, juicy meat coated in a rich, savory garlic butter glaze. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, black pepper, and a touch of honey, every bite is packed with incredible flavor. Slow-roasted until tender and finished at high heat for the perfect crispy texture, these pork belly bites make a fantastic appetizer, party snack, or satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
3 lbs (1.5 kg) pork belly, cut into 1½–2-inch cubes
1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Pat the pork belly cubes dry with paper towels to help them brown better. Place the cubes in a large bowl and toss with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil until evenly coated.
Step 2: Slow-Roast Until Tender
Arrange the seasoned pork belly cubes in a single layer in a baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60–80 minutes, or until the meat is becoming tender.
Step 3: Drain and Crisp
Carefully remove the foil and drain off excess rendered fat. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Return the pork belly to the oven, uncovered, and roast for another 20–30 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the edges are deeply golden and crispy.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pork belly crisps, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix well.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Remove the crispy pork belly from the oven and carefully toss the hot pieces with the garlic butter mixture. Return them to the oven for another 3–5 minutes, watching closely to prevent the garlic or honey from burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while the pork belly is hot, juicy, and crispy.
Tips for the Best Crispy Pork Belly
Dry the pork well: Removing excess moisture helps create a beautifully browned exterior.
Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the cubes in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
Drain excess fat: This helps the pork crisp during the final roasting stage.
Add the sauce at the end: Garlic and honey can burn at high temperatures, so coat the pork near the end of cooking.
For extra crispiness: Broil for 1–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully the entire time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious pork belly bites with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, fresh salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. They are also fantastic with spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.
Food Safety: Cook pork to at least 145°F (63°C) internally with a 3-minute rest for safety. Pork belly generally benefits from additional cooking until the connective tissue softens and the meat becomes tender.
Enjoy these crispy, buttery, garlicky pork belly bites!