Perfect Black Pepper Grilled Pork Belly

Black Pepper Grilled Pork Belly is a tempting dish known for its rich flavors, combining tender pork with the distinctive pungent kick of black pepper. Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish right at home.

Why Choose Pork Belly for Grilling?

Pork belly is a cut that features both lean meat and fat, which creates exceptional tenderness and juiciness when grilled. This combination of lean and fat prevents the dish from drying out and allows marinades to penetrate the meat fibers evenly.

Slices of perfectly grilled pork belly with black pepper

Prepare the Ingredients

To make Black Pepper Grilled Pork Belly for 4 servings, you will need:

• 500g (about 1.1 lbs) pork belly
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly

Wash the pork belly thoroughly with diluted saltwater, then rinse again with clean water and pat dry. Slice the pork into pieces about 5-7cm (approx. 2-3 inches) long and 0.5cm (approx. 0.2 inches) thick to allow the marinade to penetrate easily.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients: minced garlic, honey, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Place the pork slices in a large bowl, pour the marinade over them, and use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring the meat is well coated. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Pork belly slices marinating in a dark sauce in a bowl

Step 3: Grill the Pork

Method 1: Using an Oven

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.
• Arrange the pork slices on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
• Grill for 20 minutes, then flip the slices and baste with any remaining marinade.
• Continue grilling for another 10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and golden brown.

Method 2: Using an Air Fryer

• Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 15 minutes.
• Flip the pork slices and sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
• Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pork has a beautiful golden color.

Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Grilled Pork Belly

• Choose pork belly with a balanced lean-to-fat ratio (around 70% lean, 30% fat).
• Avoid using too much salt in the marinade, as it can dry out the meat.
• Let the cooked pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.
• Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper just before serving to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Making Black Pepper Grilled Pork Belly isn’t overly complicated but requires attention to detail during marinating and grilling. With this recipe, you can confidently prepare this tempting dish at home. Give it a try and share your results with us!