Slow Cooker Pork Belly

This Slow Cooker Pork Belly is a flavor-packed, fall-apart-tender delight that combines the richness of pork with a perfect medley of garlic, soy, and aromatic herbs. Cooked low and slow, it delivers a juicy interior and an irresistibly crispy top when finished under the broiler. The real beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity once it’s in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. It’s ideal for busy weekdays or weekend indulgence, and it pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad for contrast. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the kitchen before dinner is ready!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork belly, skin scored

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 sprig rosemary

• 1 sprig thyme

• 1 onion, sliced

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Score the skin with a sharp knife.

2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, brown sugar, pepper, and paprika.

3. Rub the marinade generously over the pork belly, including the slits in the skin.

4. Layer sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the pork belly on top, skin side up.

5. Add chicken broth, rosemary, and thyme around the meat (not directly on the skin).

6. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until tender.

7. Optional: Broil the pork belly in the oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp up the skin.

8. Slice and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Slow Cooker Pork Belly: A Flavorful Journey to Tender, Crispy Perfection

When it comes to comfort food with a gourmet twist, pork belly holds a top-tier spot. Rich, unctuous, and deeply flavorful, this cut of meat transforms into something extraordinary when cooked low and slow. Pair that technique with a sweet and savory glaze of soy, garlic, ginger, and honey, and you’ve got a dish that balances umami depth with caramelized crunch. The Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Garlic, Soy & Honey Glaze is the kind of recipe that feels luxurious without demanding hours of hands-on work a winner for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners alike.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this dish so special, why the slow cooker method is key, and how to elevate it with thoughtful pairings and presentation tips.

Why Pork Belly?

Pork belly is a cut that comes from the underside of the pig, and it’s the same cut used to make bacon. However, when left unsmoked and unprocessed, pork belly retains its rich layers of fat and meat, offering a succulent texture that becomes irresistibly tender when cooked properly.

This cut is prized in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese, Korean, and Filipino cooking, where it is often braised or roasted in flavorful sauces. Its high-fat content makes it perfect for slow cooking, as the rendered fat keeps the meat moist and enhances every bite with rich flavor.

For those unfamiliar with cooking pork belly at home, it may seem intimidating. But the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: the slow cooker takes care of the hard work, and the oven finish crisps the skin to perfection.

The Power of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers have re-emerged in popularity for good reason they make gourmet cooking achievable for home cooks of all skill levels. With this pork belly recipe, the slow cooker’s gentle heat allows the meat to cook evenly and break down the connective tissues without drying out the flesh.

Unlike traditional braising that requires stovetop monitoring, the slow cooker lets you set it and forget it. You can go about your day while the pork belly becomes fork-tender and absorbs all the flavors from the marinade.

The soy, honey, garlic, and ginger mixture penetrates deep into the pork belly, infusing each bite with bold, aromatic flavor. Honey adds sweetness and helps create that lacquered effect when roasted; garlic and ginger bring warmth and pungency; and soy sauce contributes the salty, umami-rich base.

The Secret is in the Glaze

This glaze is the heart of the recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy that clings to the meat and caramelizes in the oven. Honey offers that sticky, golden finish, while soy sauce and rice vinegar round out the flavor profile. The addition of ginger and garlic makes it taste like something you’d order at a high-end Asian restaurant.

The glaze reduces slightly in the slow cooker as the pork cooks, concentrating its flavors. When the pork belly is removed and roasted, the remaining sauce can be spooned over the slices or reduced on the stovetop for a thicker finishing drizzle.

That Crispy Finish

Pork belly isn’t complete without a contrast of textures. After slow cooking, the pork is juicy and soft but lacks the satisfying crunch we associate with the perfect bite. That’s where the oven finish comes in.

A quick roast at high heat renders the fat cap even further and crisps the outer layer of skin into a crackling golden crust. It’s an essential step that elevates the dish from comforting to gourmet. The contrast of the crispy skin and buttery meat underneath is what truly makes this recipe stand out.

If you’re looking for an extra-crispy finish, drying the pork belly skin with paper towels before roasting and brushing it lightly with oil can intensify the crunch.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Ideas

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways, depending on the occasion:

1. With Jasmine or Coconut Rice

Fluffy, fragrant rice is the ideal base to soak up the sauce. Coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness that complements the honey glaze.

2. With Stir-Fried or Steamed Vegetables

Balance the richness of the pork with light, crunchy vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or sautéed spinach with garlic.

3. In Bao Buns

Thin slices of pork belly inside steamed bao buns with pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo make for an unforgettable handheld bite.

4. As Part of a Ramen Bowl

Add sliced pork belly to a bowl of ramen with soft-boiled egg, scallions, and nori for an indulgent twist on a comfort classic.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This pork belly stores very well and might even taste better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat while preserving the crispy skin, place slices in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with losing that crisp exterior. For a quicker reheat, pan-searing the slices works well too and gives a nice sear.

Customization Options

One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Make it spicy: Add fresh chili slices, extra red pepper flakes, or a splash of chili oil for heat lovers.

• Lower the sugar: Reduce honey or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

• Add aromatics: Star anise, cloves, or a cinnamon stick in the slow cooker can add deeper complexity.

You can also experiment with the glaze try adding hoisin sauce, five spice, or miso for a completely different dimension of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Score the skin before cooking to help the flavors seep in and to promote better crisping in the oven.

• Don’t skip the roasting step. It’s the key to that golden, crispy skin everyone loves.

• Use a rack in the oven to elevate the pork belly and allow fat to render properly during the final roast.

• Marinate overnight if you have time. While not necessary, it allows the meat to soak in even more flavor.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Garlic, Soy & Honey Glaze is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary ease. With a few simple ingredients and a reliable slow cooker, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite takeout or restaurant experience.

It’s a great choice for special dinners, holidays, or cozy Sunday meals that don’t require slaving over the stove. The combination of tender pork belly, deeply infused marinade, and that crave-worthy crispy finish is sure to win over anyone who takes a bite.