Asian-Style Sticky Pork Belly Bites
Tender pork belly bites coated in a bold, sticky Asian-style glaze with toasted sesame seeds, perfect as a flavorful and easy appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) pork belly, skin-on, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
- Toss the pork belly cubes in the marinade until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour.
- While marinating, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated pork belly bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and caramelized, allowing the glaze to thicken and cling to the pork.
- Optional: Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Drizzle over cooked pork bites for extra stickiness.
- Transfer pork belly bites to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
Pat pork dry before searing for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper caramelization. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. For thicker glaze, reduce marinade in saucepan. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-5 po
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6.5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: pork belly, sticky pork, Asian appetizer, sesame, easy recipe, finger food, savory, sweet, quick appetizer