Heart-Healthy Crispy Fried Pork Belly

Give your favorite comfort food a healthy twist with this Heart-Healthy Crispy Fried Pork Belly recipe! Tenderized through simmering and roasted to golden perfection, this pork belly is delightfully crispy on the outside while staying juicy and flavorful inside. Infused with aromatic smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of fresh thyme, it’s elevated with a tangy, low-sodium soy glaze that adds brightness without extra guilt. Using olive oil instead of traditional frying methods, this lighter take on a classic dish reduces fat content while delivering indulgent texture and flavor. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, pair it with a crisp salad or whole grains for a balanced, heart-conscious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams pork belly, skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Start by placing the pork belly in a pot large enough to cover it with water. Add the white vinegar and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the pork belly to simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. This helps in tenderizing the pork and reducing fat content.

Step 3

While the pork belly simmers, mix salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 4

Once simmered, remove the pork belly from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack. Pat it dry with paper towels to get rid of excess water.

Step 5

Rub the cooled pork belly with the spice mixture and olive oil, ensuring all sides are even. Let it rest for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Lay the pork belly on a roasting tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 7

Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes until the pork belly is golden brown and crispy. If needed, switch to broil for a few minutes for extra crispiness.

Step 8

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, lemon zest, and fresh thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes. This will act as a light glaze.

Step 9

Remove the pork belly from the oven, and while still hot, brush lightly with the thyme soy glaze.

Step 10

Let the pork belly rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 11

Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish, paired with a fresh salad or whole grain side dish, for a heart-friendly meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(815.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2879.2

Total Fat 293.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 100.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 360mg	0%
Sodium 3003.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 6.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g	0%
Total Sugars 0.3g
Protein 49.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 74.0mg	0%
Iron 3.4mg	0%
Potassium 755.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 92.2%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 0.9%