Elevate your grilling game with this Heart-Healthy Grilled Pork Belly recipe, a lighter take on a traditionally indulgent cut of meat. This dish transforms pork belly into a leaner, flavor-packed protein by trimming excess fat and marinating it in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme. The result is smoky, succulent slices with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Grilled to perfection and served warm, it's an ideal dish for health-conscious foodies seeking bold flavors without compromise. Pair it with fresh vegetables or a crisp salad for a wholesome, balanced meal thatβs sure to impress your guests. Keywords: heart-healthy pork belly, grilled pork belly recipe, healthy grilling recipes, lean grilled meat recipes.
Start by trimming as much visible fat from the pork belly as possible to make it leaner, which is key for a heart-healthier dish.
In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, ground black pepper, sea salt, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together to form a marinade.
Place the pork belly in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Allow the grill to heat thoroughly, as a hot grill will sear the pork belly, locking in flavors and moisture.
Remove the pork belly from the marinade, letting any excess marinate drip off before placing it on the grill. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the pork belly on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, flipping once, until the pork is nicely charred and cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145Β°F (63Β°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps retain the juices within the meat.
Serve the grilled pork belly slices warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to complete a heart-healthy meal.
Calories |
2810 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 279.2 g | 358% | |
| Saturated Fat | 98.6 g | 493% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 360 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 1532 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.5 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.7 g | ||
| Protein | 47.8 g | 96% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 779 mg | 17% | |
*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.