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Asian BBQ Pork Belly with Sesame slaw

Asian BBQ Pork Belly with Sesame Slaw

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan Ideal for achieving that charred exterior. Alternatively, use a cast iron skillet or roast in the oven under the broiler for a pork belly recipes crispy oven effect.
  • Mixing bowls At least two—one for the marinade and one for the slaw.
  • Tongs For turning the pork belly while grilling.
  • Knife and Cutting Board For slicing the vegetables and pork.
  • Whisk To emulsify the slaw dressing properly.

Ingredients
  

For the Asian BBQ Pork Belly

  • 2 pounds pork belly skin removed, cut into thick slices (about 1-inch wide)
  • 1 tablespoon oil vegetable or sesame
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey for that sticky, honey pork finish
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or gochugaru Korean chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Sesame Slaw

  • 2 cups green cabbage finely shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage finely shredded
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Pork Belly

  1. Start by cutting the pork belly into thick, uniform slices. In a large bowl, combine oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Add the pork belly slices to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better for deeper flavor penetration. This pork belly marinade creates the sticky, umami-rich profile you expect in a solid pork barbecue dish.

Prepare the Sesame Slaw

  1. While the pork marinates, make the slaw. Combine both cabbages, carrots, and red bell pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and sesame seeds. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Grill the Pork Belly

  1. Heat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan. Once hot, lay the marinated pork belly slices down carefully.
  2. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and caramelized. Baste with extra marinade as it cooks for maximum flavor and stickiness. The sugars in the sauce will help create that crave-worthy crust. You’re aiming for the outer layer to be sticky and slightly crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

Pro Tip: For tender pork belly recipes, be sure not to rush the cooking. Let it sit and caramelize fully on one side before flipping.

    Serve It Up

    1. Plate a generous heap of sesame slaw, then top with a few slices of the grilled Asian BBQ pork belly. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Add a drizzle of any extra sauce or slaw dressing if desired.