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This Crispy Pork Belly with Herb Cream Sauce is a stunning dish that combines rich flavors and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party, this recipe features succulent pork belly, perfectly rendered for that irresistible crispiness, topped with a luscious herb-infused cream sauce that brings everything together. Get ready for a plate that looks as good as it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a feast for the senses, from the visually appealing contrast of textures to the aromatic herb cream sauce that elevates the flavors of the pork. It’s a show-stopper that’s surprisingly straightforward to make.
- Crispy Texture: The pork belly is perfectly rendered for that satisfying crunch.
- Flavorful Sauce: The herb cream sauce adds a fresh and rich flavor profile.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a gourmet touch.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork belly, skin scored
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make Crispy Pork Belly with Creamy Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Rub the salt and black pepper all over the pork, making sure to season well into the scored skin.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the pork belly skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the pork belly over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
- While the pork is roasting, prepare the herb cream sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped thyme, parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Let the sauce cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of crispy pork belly drizzled with the herb cream sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the pork belly is well-dried before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Allow the pork to rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs in the sauce based on what you have on hand or prefer.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the fresh herbs for a spice blend like smoked paprika and cumin for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for extra depth.
- Serve with a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
What to Serve With It
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
- Sautéed green beans or asparagus
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
- Herb-infused rice or quinoa
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The skin may lose some crispiness during reheating, so consider broiling for a few moments at the end to restore some crunch.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork belly, skin scored
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Rub the salt and black pepper all over the pork, making sure to season well into the scored skin.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the pork belly skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the pork belly over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
- While the pork is roasting, prepare the herb cream sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped thyme, parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Let the sauce cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of crispy pork belly drizzled with the herb cream sauce. Enjoy!
Notes: Allowing the pork belly to rest after cooking is key to keeping it juicy. Adjust the herbs in the sauce based on your preferences.





















