Heart-Healthy Crispy Fried Pork Belly
Indulge in the ultimate balance of flavor and health with our "Heart-Healthy Crispy Fried Pork Belly" recipe, a lighter twist on the classic indulgence. This dish features tender, skinless pork belly simmered with white vinegar to reduce fat content, then roasted to golden, crispy perfection using heart-friendly olive oil and a blend of savory spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. A delicate soy-thyme glaze infused with lemon zest adds a burst of freshness without overpowering the natural richness of the pork. Perfect for serving as an appetizer or paired with wholesome sides like salads and whole grains, this guilt-free treat offers the crunch and flavor you crave while keeping your heart in mind. Keywords: heart-healthy pork recipe, crispy pork belly, low-fat pork dish, healthier fried pork belly.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
While the pork belly simmers, mix salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
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.
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.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Lay the pork belly on a roasting tray lined with parchment paper.
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.
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.
Remove the pork belly from the oven, and while still hot, brush lightly with the thyme soy glaze.
Let the pork belly rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
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
Calories |
2879 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 293.4 g | 376% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.9 g | 504% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 360 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 3004 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 49.7 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 755 mg | 16% | |
*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.
