Crispy Belly Pork Strips: Easy Recipe for Dinner

Right, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good crispy pork belly? It's a true culinary delight, but sometimes it feels like a chore to make at home, especially on a busy weeknight. I used to think the same way, wrestling with lengthy cooking times and a whole lot of prep. But then I discovered this gem of a recipe: crispy belly pork strips! They're incredibly easy to whip up, absolutely delicious, and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

I'm going to walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. We'll chat about ingredients, equipment, cooking times, and all the little details you need to know. I'll even share some of my favourite serving ideas, just to get your creative juices flowing! Ready to dig in?

(Part 1) The Ingredients: Simple Yet Delicious

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don't need a million fancy ingredients or a Michelin-star kitchen. Just the basics, and trust me, they'll deliver a fantastic flavour explosion! The star of the show, of course, is the pork belly. I usually use about 500g, which is perfect for two hungry people. If you've got a bigger appetite, or are cooking for a crowd, feel free to increase that amount. While belly pork is the classic choice for this recipe, you can always experiment with different cuts if you're feeling adventurous.

Here's What You'll Need:

1. Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is my personal preference, but use whatever you've got on hand. It's all about that seasoning magic!
2. Garlic: This adds a beautiful depth of flavour. I use about 2 cloves, but adjust it to your own taste.
3. Ginger: I like to add a touch of fresh ginger, about 1 tablespoon grated, for that extra zing!
4. Soy Sauce: A staple for this recipe, we'll use about 2 tablespoons for the marinade.
5. Honey: This adds that irresistible sticky glaze. I use about 1 tablespoon, but feel free to use more if you like a sweeter taste.
6. Cornflour: This is the secret to that wonderfully crispy texture.
7. Oil: For frying the pork. vegetable oil is my go-to because it has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point.

That's it! You've got your pantry staples ready to go. Now, let's get those cooking skills fired up!

(Part 2) Getting the Pork Ready: A Bit of Prep

Alright, now it's time to get those hands dirty! Grab your trusty chopping board and a sharp knife. We're going to slice the belly pork into strips, about 1cm thick. Don't worry about making them perfectly uniform, the important thing is to cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

The Magic of the Marinade

Grab a bowl and let's get those pork strips nestled in. Now, it's time for the marinade! This is where the flavour really takes off. Add your salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey to the bowl and mix it all up. You want to ensure the pork strips are evenly coated in that delicious marinade. Don't be shy with the seasoning, a good dose of salt and pepper will truly elevate the flavour of the pork.

A Little Patience Pays Off

Once those strips are coated, cover the bowl with cling film and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step! It gives those flavours time to really soak into the pork. While the pork is chilling, we can get the rest of our ingredients ready. Grab a small bowl and mix the cornflour with a tablespoon of water. This will create a lovely crispy coating for our pork strips.

(Part 3) Cooking Time: Getting Those Strips Crispy

Okay, the moment of truth has arrived: it's time to cook! Get your frying pan heated over a medium heat. Then add a good glug of oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, you're ready to start cooking!

Frying with Care

Carefully add the pork strips to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you have too many strips in the pan at once, they won't cook evenly. Cook those strips for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and gloriously crispy. As the pork strips sizzle in the pan, you'll notice that they'll start to release their fat. I like to use a slotted spoon to scoop up that fat as it accumulates. It prevents the strips from becoming greasy.

Crispy Perfection: The Goal

Once your pork strips are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and drain them on kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil. They're almost ready to be devoured! But, for that extra special touch, we're going to make a quick and easy glaze.

(Part 4) The Glaze: A Touch of Sweet and Savoury

Now, these crispy pork strips are delicious on their own, but the glaze is the cherry on top! It takes these already amazing strips to the next level. Don't worry, it's super simple and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.

A Quick and Easy Glaze

Grab a small saucepan and add the honey and soy sauce. Bring it to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey has melted and the glaze has thickened slightly. Now, it's time to coat those pork strips in this glorious glaze. Add the cooked strips to the saucepan and toss them gently to coat them evenly. Make sure every strip gets a good dose of that delicious glaze.

(Part 5) Serving Up the Goodness: It’s All About the Details

Finally, your crispy belly pork strips are ready to shine! The best part is, they're incredibly versatile. You can make them a star of the show, or incorporate them into a bigger meal. Here are a few of my favourite ways to serve up this deliciousness:

Serving Ideas: A Feast for the Senses

1. On a Bed of Rice: The classic combo! The crispy pork strips just sing with a side of fluffy rice. I love to add stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and flavourful meal.
2. In a Salad: Add a touch of crunch and protein to your favourite salad. I like to use a mixed salad with fresh herbs like coriander and mint.
3. With Noodles: A quick and satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight. Stir-fry the pork strips with noodles, vegetables, and a tasty sauce.
4. In a Sandwich or Wrap: A delicious way to make your lunch more exciting. Add some crispy pork strips to your sandwich or wrap for a satisfying and tasty meal.

Remember, these are just starting points. Get creative! Add your personal touch with your favourite dipping sauces or seasonings. This is your opportunity to make it your own.

(Part 6) Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This recipe for crispy belly pork strips is one of my absolute favourites. It's just so easy, it's so delicious, and it's so versatile! Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, but also fancy enough to impress your guests. Plus, it uses readily available ingredients. No need to scour the supermarket for rare spices! Grab what you've got in your fridge and let's get cooking!

The Crispy Pork Magic

There's a magic about crispy pork that's hard to resist! That crispy exterior, giving way to the tender and juicy interior—it's a culinary dream come true. The crispy coating is addictive, the marinade adds incredible flavour, and the glaze elevates it to a whole new level. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savoury, crispy and tender – a real taste sensation!

(Part 7) The Importance of Good Quality Pork

When it comes to taste sensations, you want to start with good quality pork. It makes a big difference in the flavour of your dish. I like to buy my pork from a local butcher, as they can give great advice on the best cuts to use for different recipes. Plus, it's always good to support local businesses! But if you don't have a butcher nearby, don't worry! Most supermarkets have good quality pork available.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pork

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect pork:

• Look for a pale pink colour.
• Avoid pork that has a strong odour.
• Make sure the pork is well-wrapped.

Finally, it's super important to make sure the pork is cooked through properly. Use a meat thermometer for the ultimate peace of mind. The internal temperature of the pork should be at least 145°F (63°C). Make sure you cook the pork strips until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside.

(Part 8) Make it Your Own: Experiment and Explore

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is! If you don’t fancy any of the serving suggestions I've made, go wild! Experiment with flavours and create your own signature dish.

Get Creative with Flavours

Here are a few ideas to spark your culinary imagination:

• Add some chilli flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick.
• Substitute the honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.
• Add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices, like cumin, coriander, or paprika.

You can also try serving the pork strips with different sauces. Do you have a favourite dipping sauce, like sriracha or sweet chilli sauce? Go for it! It's all about having fun and creating something delicious!

(Part 9) More Than Just Dinner: Make It an Occasion

This recipe is perfect for everyday meals, but it also shines for special occasions. Serve it up at a dinner party or a barbecue – your guests will be impressed! And it's a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Elevate Your Presentation

Here are a few ideas to make your crispy pork strips even more special:

• Serve the pork strips on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces.
• Arrange the pork strips on a bed of greens and top with a drizzle of honey-soy glaze.
• Use the pork strips to top a salad or a burger.
• Wrap the pork strips in a tortilla or lettuce wrap and add your favourite fillings.

The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination run wild and have fun with it.

(Part 10) FAQs: Answers to Your Questions

I get asked a lot of questions about this recipe, so I've put together a little FAQ section to help answer some of the things you might be wondering.

1. How long can I store the marinated pork strips in the fridge?

You can store the marinated pork strips in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This gives those flavours time to really penetrate the pork. Just make sure you keep them covered with cling film.

2. Can I bake the pork strips instead of frying them?

You can bake the pork strips instead of frying them. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the strips for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

3. Can I use other cuts of pork?

You can use other cuts of pork, but belly pork is the best for this recipe because it's nice and fatty. If you're using a leaner cut, you might want to add a bit more fat to the pan to prevent the pork from drying out.

4. What if I don’t have any cornflour?

If you don’t have any cornflour, you can use plain flour or even breadcrumbs. Just make sure you coat the pork strips in the flour or breadcrumbs before frying.

5. What are some other ways to serve these pork strips?

You can serve these pork strips with just about anything! They’re great with noodles, rice, salads, and vegetables. You can also use them to top pizza, tacos, or burgers.

I hope you find this recipe as useful and enjoyable as I do! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy cooking!