Are you dreaming of a melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly flavorful meal that requires minimal effort? Then look no further! This pork belly crock pot recipe is your answer. Forget hours slaving over a hot stove – this easy recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, resulting in a delicious, healthy meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. It’s one of those best recipes that’s surprisingly simple yet incredibly impressive.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork belly, skin scored
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Scoring the skin (making shallow cuts across the surface) helps render the fat and makes it crispier later. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Layer the Crock Pot: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Nestle the seasoned pork belly on top of the vegetables.
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Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the pork belly, ensuring it's mostly submerged. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the pork belly is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Crisp the Skin (Optional): For extra crispy skin, remove the pork belly from the slow cooker once cooked. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the skin is crispy.
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Serve: Shred the pork belly and serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd your slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the liquid to circulate around the pork belly.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the pork belly. Check for doneness using a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the pork belly a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Variations:
- Spicy Pork Belly: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Apple and Sage Pork Belly: Add 1 diced apple and 1 tablespoon of fresh sage to the crock pot along with the other vegetables.
- Garlic and Herb Pork Belly: Increase the amount of garlic and add other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley for a more robust flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and additions. However, pork belly is a good source of protein and offers some essential nutrients. For precise nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.
This pork belly crock pot recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver amazing results. It’s a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and remember to share your culinary creations!