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Five-Spice Pork Belly Bites with Crispy Edges

A mound of perfectly caramelized Five-Spice Pork Belly Bites stacked on a white plate, glistening with glaze.
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Make savory, bite-sized pork belly pieces seasoned with Chinese Five-Spice powder. This recipe focuses on rendering the fat and achieving a crisp exterior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork belly, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese Five-Spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water (for steaming/braising step)

Instructions

  1. Combine the soy sauce, rice wine, honey, Five-Spice powder, ginger, white pepper, and salt in a bowl to make the marinade.
  2. Place the pork belly cubes in a bowl and toss them thoroughly with the marinade. Let the pork marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the marinated pork belly cubes in a single layer in a baking dish or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  4. Add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the baking dish to create steam.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes. This initial bake renders some fat and begins to tenderize the meat.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven. Carefully pour off any excess rendered fat.
  7. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) or switch to the broiler setting (watch closely).
  8. Return the pork belly to the oven and cook for another 15 to 25 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through, until the edges are dark brown and crispy. If using the broiler, watch constantly to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the bites rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin (if using skin-on), pat the skin very dry before marinating and score it lightly before the first bake.
  • If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
  • Serve these bites with a side of sweet chili sauce or a simple dipping sauce made from rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/five-spice-pork-belly-bites-recipe/