Are you looking for a delicious and relatively easy weeknight meal that feels incredibly special? Look no further! This recipe uses readily available ingredients, many of which can be found at your local Trader Joe's, to create a stunning dish of crispy pork belly paired with a vibrant Asian slaw. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors – the incredibly tender and crispy pork belly contrasts beautifully with the crunchy slaw, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or just a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Trader Joe's Pork Belly, skin scored
- 1 tbsp Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Asian Slaw:
- 1 package Trader Joe's shredded cabbage slaw mix
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (can use pre-shredded from Trader Joe's)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
Preparing the Pork Belly:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that satisfying crispiness.
- Generously season the pork belly with salt, pepper, and Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Rub the seasoning into the scored skin and the meat.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin starts to brown and crisp. This step renders the fat and helps create that amazing crackling.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork belly is tender and the skin is incredibly crispy. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork belly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
Making the Asian Slaw:
- While the pork belly is roasting, prepare the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage slaw mix, carrots, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Set aside until ready to serve.
Finishing the Dish:
- Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Slice the pork belly into thick pieces and serve immediately over a bed of the Asian slaw.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the pork belly for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference.
- Add other vegetables to the slaw, such as red onion, bell peppers, or cucumber.
- If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slaw dressing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. However, this recipe is generally a good source of protein and healthy fats. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients you use.
This delicious and easy Trader Joe's pork belly recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. The combination of crispy pork belly and refreshing Asian slaw is a delightful experience that satisfies both your taste buds and your craving for a delicious and relatively healthy meal. Enjoy!