In recent years, pork belly has gained a lot of popularity in the culinary world, and for good reason. This succulent cut of meat is packed with flavor and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the most beloved and traditional methods of cooking pork belly is in the southern style. If you're a fan of tender and juicy meat with a crispy outer layer, then this southern pork belly recipe is a must-try. Let's dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish.
If you're looking for a delicious and hearty side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern black-eyed peas. These beans are simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and smoked ham hock, giving them a rich and savory taste. Serve them alongside your chicken for a classic Southern meal.
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Spicy Southern Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Green Beans, Pork Belly, Unsalted Butter, Diced Onion
For a side dish that packs a punch, try these spicy Southern green beans. Fresh green beans are cooked in a skillet with bacon, onions, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken. These green beans are sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
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SPICY PORK BELLY COLLARD GREENS
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Collard Greens, Garlic, Jalapeno, Apple
If you're a fan of collard greens, you have to try this recipe for spicy pork belly collard greens. The collard greens are cooked in a flavorful broth with pork belly and spices, giving them a rich and smoky taste. The added kick of spice takes these greens to the next level and makes them the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, White Onion, Garlic, Pork Belly, Broth
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the classic flavors of Southern cuisine, try making black-eyed peas and collard greens in your Instant Pot. This recipe combines the two dishes into one delicious and easy-to-make side dish. The black-eyed peas and collard greens cook together in just a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop, making this a perfect option for a weeknight meal.
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Black Eyed Peas and Rice
Main Ingredients: Fat, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper, Smoked
For a simple and budget-friendly side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making black-eyed peas and rice. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served on New Year's Day for good luck. The black-eyed peas are cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, then served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It's a delicious and filling addition to your meal.
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Braised Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chinese Rice Wine, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy
If you want to add some protein to your meal, consider making braised pork belly to go alongside your beer can chicken. This dish involves cooking pork belly in a flavorful broth until it becomes tender and succulent. The result is a delicious and melt-in-your-mouth pork dish that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the chicken.
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Crispy Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Salt, Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Brown
If you're a fan of crispy pork, you have to try this recipe for crispy pork belly. The pork is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, then cooked low and slow in the oven until it becomes perfectly crisp. The crispy texture of the pork pairs well with the tender and juicy beer can chicken, making for a mouthwatering combination.
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Easy Baked Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Garlic, Red Chili Flakes, Soy Sauce, Rice
This recipe for easy baked pork belly is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of pork belly without all the fuss. The pork is marinated in a simple mixture of soy sauce , brown sugar, and spices, then baked in the oven until it becomes tender and flavorful. It's a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy this popular dish.
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Fool Proof Roast Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Oil, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
If you're new to cooking pork belly, this recipe for fool-proof roast pork belly is a great place to start. The pork is marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder , then roasted until it becomes crispy and caramelized on the outside. The result is a flavorful and fool-proof dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is a must-try. The cornbread is cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust and a soft and fluffy interior. It's the perfect side dish to soak up the juices from your beer can chicken.
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Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Olive Oil, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt
If you're a fan of barbecue, you have to try these smoked pork belly burnt ends. The pork belly is cooked low and slow on a smoker until it becomes tender and flavorful. The edges are then caramelized with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce , creating a delicious and indulgent side dish to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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Crunchy Skin Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Boiling Water, Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Rice
For a unique and delicious side dish, try making this recipe for crunchy skin pork belly. The pork belly is cooked until it becomes tender and juicy, then finished off under the broiler to create a crispy and crunchy skin. It's a fun and flavorful addition to your meal that is sure to impress your guests.
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken meal. The chicken is cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy until it becomes tender and juicy. The gravy is then spooned over the chicken, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with your other Southern sides.
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Crispy Adobo
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Garlic, Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Oil
If you're a fan of Filipino cuisine, you have to try this recipe for crispy adobo. The chicken is marinated in a blend of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, then fried until it becomes perfectly crispy. The tangy and savory flavors of the adobo complement the beer can chicken and add a unique twist to your meal.
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Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Fine Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper
This recipe for oven-roasted crispy pork belly is a great option for those who don't have access to a smoker. The pork is slow-roasted in the oven until it becomes tender and flavorful, then finished off under the broiler to create a crispy and caramelized exterior. It's a delicious and low-maintenance way to enjoy this popular dish.
For a classic and simple side dish, try making Southern collard greens to go alongside your beer can chicken. The collard greens are cooked in a broth with onions, garlic, and smoked ham hock, giving them a rich and flavorful taste. They're the perfect addition to any Southern-style meal.
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Honey Glazed Crispy Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Kosher Salt, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic
This recipe for honey-glazed crispy pork belly is a delicious and indulgent addition to your beer can chicken meal. The pork belly is coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze, then cooked until it becomes crispy and caramelized. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread dressing, and this recipe is a delicious and traditional option. The cornbread is mixed with onions, celery, and spices, then baked until it becomes golden and crispy on top. It's a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken and will have your taste buds singing.
For a unique and flavorful side dish, try making Southern smothered oxtails. The oxtails are cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they become tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. The gravy is then spooned over the oxtails, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits, and this recipe is a classic and fool-proof option. These biscuits are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients, but they are sure to impress with their light and flaky texture and buttery flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a true taste of the South.
The Perfect Cut of Pork Belly
To start off your southern-style pork belly dish, you'll need to have the perfect cut of meat. Look for pork belly with a good balance of fat and meat. The fat gives the meat its rich flavor and helps keep it moist during the cooking process. You can ask your local butcher for a specific cut or look for pork belly at your nearest grocery store.
Preparing the Meat
Before cooking, it's essential to prepare the pork belly properly. Begin by scoring the skin with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern. This will help the fat render and give the meat a crispy texture. Next, season the meat with a dry rub of your choice. Some popular options for a southern-style pork belly include a mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. The dry rub will add an extra layer of flavor and help develop a beautiful crust on the meat.
The Slow Cooker Method
One of the best ways to cook pork belly is in a slow cooker. This method allows the meat to cook at a low temperature for an extended period, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. Place the seasoned pork belly in the slow cooker with a cup of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is fork-tender. Once done, transfer the pork belly to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
Finishing Touches
To truly elevate your southern pork belly dish, add a glaze or sauce. A classic southern-style sauce is made with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Drizzle the glaze over the pork belly and broil for a few minutes until it caramelizes and forms a shiny coating. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as collard greens and cornbread, for a true southern feast.
In conclusion, this southern pork belly recipe is a delicious and easy way to impress your family and friends. With the right cut of meat, proper preparation, and slow cooking method, you can achieve a tender and flavorful dish that will leave everyone wanting more. Give this recipe a try and taste the goodness of southern-style pork belly for yourself.
