Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze – Tender & Flavor-Packed Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, tender, and bursting with flavor, this Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze is the ultimate comfort food. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming pork belly into melt-in-your-mouth perfection, while the sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully.
This recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. Pair it with rice, noodles, or tuck it into sandwiches and tacos for a mouthwatering treat.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Belly Recipe
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Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the work.
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Sweet & Savory Glaze – The honey balsamic sauce adds depth and balance.
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Perfectly Tender – Slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart pork belly every time.
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Versatile Serving Options – Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or sandwich filling.
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly
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2 lbs (1kg) Pork Belly
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Coarse Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste
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A Pinch of Cayenne Pepper – optional, for mild heat
For the Honey Balsamic Glaze
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¼ cup (60ml) Balsamic Vinegar
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¼ cup (60ml) Chicken Stock
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4 tablespoons Honey
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3 cloves Garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Olive Oil
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1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
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Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
With a sharp knife, score the pork belly skin diagonally in a diamond pattern. This helps the fat render and allows the seasonings to penetrate. Rub the pork belly generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Belly
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the pork belly skin side down and sear for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This step adds depth of flavor and texture.
Lightly oil the bottom and sides of your slow cooker, then transfer the pork belly inside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, honey, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork belly in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Belly
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Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or
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Cook on LOW for 7 hours
The slow cooking process breaks down the fat, making the pork belly tender and juicy while infusing it with the sweet-savory glaze.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Once done, remove the pork belly and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice to your desired thickness. Serve hot with the glaze drizzled over the top.
Serving Suggestions
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With Steamed Rice – A perfect Asian-inspired comfort meal.
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Over Noodles – Toss the glaze with noodles for a sweet-savory finish.
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In Sandwiches or Sliders – Add crispy slaw for crunch.
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In Tacos – Pair with fresh cilantro, pickled onions, and lime.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pork Belly
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Sear before slow cooking – It locks in flavor and enhances texture.
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Don’t skip the glaze – The honey balsamic mix is the star of this recipe.
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Rest before slicing – Keeps the pork belly juicy.
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For extra caramelization – Broil the pork belly slices in the oven for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pork Belly with Honey Balsamic Glaze is the perfect combination of crispy edges, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a rich sweet-savory glaze. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner centerpiece, in sandwiches, or as part of a party spread, it’s guaranteed to impress.