There’s something truly inviting about the rich aroma of Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze wafting through the house. I discovered this delightful recipe on one of those rainy afternoons when my kitchen felt a bit too empty. With just a few simple ingredients, I transformed a humble piece of pork belly into a show-stopping meal that made my taste buds dance.
As soon as the crispy skin hits the skillet, followed by the sweet, tangy glaze in the slow cooker, you’ll forget all about the bland, quick fixes we often settle for. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. Not only does it fill your home with mouthwatering scents, but it also offers an unparalleled melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves everyone asking for more.
Join me as we dive into this easy, yet elegant recipe that brings comfort food to a whole new level. You’ll want to add this to your weekly meal rotation!
Why is Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze a Must-Try?
Unforgettable Aroma: The delightful fragrance of balsamic vinegar and honey fills your kitchen and creates a cozy ambiance.
Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy pork belly that practically melts on your tongue.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress your friends and family with this gourmet yet simple delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
For more satisfying comfort food recipes, check out my fabulous Slow Cooker Recipes!
Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze Ingredients
• Ready to create a flavor sensation? Here’s everything you need!
For the Pork
• 2 lbs (1kg) pork belly – A rich cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender with slow cooking.
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning, elevating the flavor of your pork belly.
• A pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
For the Glaze
• 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar – The star of your glaze offering a sweet-tart flavor that beautifully complements the pork.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken stock – Adds depth and richness to your glaze, ensuring the meat remains juicy.
• 4 tablespoons honey – Sweetness that enhances the glaze while caramelizing beautifully during cooking.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic undertones that make every bite irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps to achieve that lovely crisp on your pork belly and aids in the cooking process.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, basil, and thyme) – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Remember: This Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze is not just a recipe; it’s a journey to culinary bliss!
How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze
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Score the Pork: Carefully make diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern on the pork belly skin. Season generously with coarse salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Cayenne pepper, rubbing it deeply into the skin for flavor.
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Sear the Pork: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the pork belly skin side down and cook for about 3 minutes until it’s beautifully crisped and golden brown. Lightly oil your slow cooker, then transfer the pork belly into it.
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Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Drizzle this heavenly mixture over the pork belly, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Cook the Pork: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7 hours. The aroma will be irresistible as it cooks!
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Slice and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, slice the pork belly to your preferred thickness. Serve it up right away, and watch your loved ones dive in!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and sear the pork belly and have it ready to go up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and prevent drying out. The glaze can also be prepared ahead of time, combining balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, honey, garlic, and seasonings—this can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, just transfer the seasoned pork belly to the slow cooker, drizzle on the glaze, and set it to cook. Enjoy the same melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze?
Creating the perfect meal around your delectable slow-cooked masterpiece can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky and buttery, mashed potatoes add a heavenly smoothness to balance the rich flavors of the pork belly.
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Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty crunch of these sprouts adds texture and a pop of freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A bright and tangy slaw brings a refreshing contrast, cutting through the pork’s richness with every bite.
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Herbed Quinoa Salad: This light, protein-packed option offers a pleasant chewiness and fresh herbs that perfectly contrast the glaze’s sweetness.
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Crispy Polenta Fries: Their crunchy exterior and soft center provide a delightful contrast, making them a fun accompaniment to your meal.
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Red Wine Reduction Sauce: A drizzle of this luscious sauce enhances the flavor and sophistication of your pork belly, bringing all the elements together.
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Lemon Basil Sparkling Water: A refreshing, bubbly drink that cleanses the palate and enhances the meal without overwhelming the flavors.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich and airy chocolate mousse offers a sweet ending that pairs perfectly with the savory richness of your dinner.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Fridge: Store leftover slow cooker pork belly in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its juicy flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pork belly tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, keeping the glaze from drying out.
Serving Suggestions: Consider serving reheated pork belly with fresh sides to elevate your meal experience after storage.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Pork Belly
• Score Properly: Make sure to score the skin deep enough to allow seasoning to penetrate but not so deep that you cut into the meat.
• Sear for Crispiness: Don’t skip the searing step; it creates a delicious crust on the pork belly that adds flavor and texture.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking on HIGH or LOW can vary in outcome. Always check for tenderness; it should be fork-tender when done.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for a more flavorful bite.
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust sweetness or acidity based on your taste preferences by modifying the honey or balsamic vinegar amounts in the Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze.
• Pair Wisely: Consider sides that balance the richness of the pork, such as a zesty slaw or steamed vegetables, for a well-rounded meal.
Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours with these exciting variations!
- Smoky Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning for a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the richness of the pork.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap out balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar, offering a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with honey.
- Sriracha Heat: Mix in a tablespoon of Sriracha for a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness with some fiery goodness.
- Coconut Aminos: For a soy-free alternative, use coconut aminos instead of balsamic vinegar for a touch of umami flavor.
- Peach Glaze: Substitute honey with peach preserves for a sweet, fruity glaze; a great summer variation everyone will love.
- Root Vegetable Addition: Toss in diced carrots and parsnips in the slow cooker for natural sweetness and heartiness, creating a complete meal.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the pork.
Let your kitchen be your canvas; each flavor twist tells a new story of comfort and deliciousness!
Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of pork belly is best for this recipe?
I recommend looking for pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. The fat content is crucial as it renders beautifully during the slow cooking process, leading to that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. Make sure the skin is intact for the best crispy result!
How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze?
To keep your leftover pork belly fresh, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge. It should stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it tightly, ensuring it retains its juices.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze?
Absolutely! Freezing pork belly is a great option. To do this, wrap the cooled pork belly tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. This way, it can stay scrumptious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if my pork belly isn’t crispy enough after cooking?
If the skin hasn’t reached your desired level of crispiness after slow cooking, you can quickly crisp it up! Just transfer the cooked pork belly to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely until it’s perfectly golden. This step gives you that wonderful crunch on the top.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be mindful of?
Yes! If you’re serving this Slow Cooker Pork Belly to guests, be aware that it contains gluten (from the soy sauce, if used instead of chicken stock) and is high in fat. It’s also not suitable for pets due to the garlic content. If anyone has specific dietary restrictions, consider swapping out ingredients or ensuring they’re comfortable with the dish’s components.
How can I enhance the glaze for more flavor?
If you’re looking to level up your glaze, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus twist or some Dijon mustard for an extra kick! Simply mix a tablespoon of your chosen enhancement into the glaze ingredients before drizzling it over the pork belly. This little tweak can add layers of flavor that everyone will love!
Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Score the Pork: Carefully make diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern on the pork belly skin. Season generously with coarse salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Cayenne pepper, rubbing it deeply into the skin for flavor.
- Sear the Pork: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the pork belly skin side down and cook for about 3 minutes until it's beautifully crisped and golden brown. Lightly oil your slow cooker, then transfer the pork belly into it.
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the pork belly, ensuring it's well coated.
- Cook the Pork: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7 hours.
- Slice and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, slice the pork belly to your preferred thickness. Serve it right away.