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8 Hour Slow Cooked Pork Belly

Pork belly is an extremely versatile and delicious cut of meat, and slow cooking it for 8 hours is the perfect way to bring out its succulent flavor. Slow cooking pork belly can produce a beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside, while still keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Not only does slow cooked pork belly taste fantastic, but it also makes a great center piece for any dinner party or family gathering.

8 hour slow cooked pork belly

How to make slow cooker pork belly

  • Begin by first slicing the onion and spreading it in the bottom of the slow cooker. 
  • Massage the cumin and thyme into the skin side of the pork until well seasoned.
  • Combine the stock, balsamic, and garlic in a saucepan.
  • Pour the mixture around the pork, then set the lid of the slow cooker down.
  • Cook the pork on the low setting for eight hours.
  • After the pork has finished slow cooking, preheat the oven to 400F.
  • Place the pork in the oven and bake for an hour.
  • Slice pork and serve!

Can you overcook slow cooked pork belly

Cooking pork belly in a slow cooker is an incredibly easy way to achieve a delicious, succulent meal. But is it possible to overcook pork belly in a slow cooker? The answer is yes, but not without some effort.

Overcooking pork belly in a slow cooker requires prolonged periods of cooking, usually several hours more than the recommended cooking time. This extended cooking period leads to a dry, chewy, and sometimes burnt pork belly.

To avoid this, the key is to check your pork belly periodically during the cooking process and adjust the time accordingly. Additionally, it’s wise to add some liquid to your slow cooker before you start in order to help keep the meat from drying out. Simply adding some stock or water will help prevent overcooking. 

Does pork belly get softer the longer it is cooked in the slow cooker

When cooked for a longer period of time, the fat of the pork belly begins to melt, resulting in a tender and juicy piece of meat. The key to achieving this is to make sure the slow cooker is set to low heat, as this will allow enough time for the fat to break down.

Additionally, adding some liquid such as stock, beer or wine can help create a more tender result. For best results, let the pork belly cook for 6-8 hours and then finish it off in the oven or on the stovetop for an extra juicy result. 

how long to slow cook pork belly

Do I have to use a dry rub on pork belly for slow cooking

The answer is no, you do not have to use a dry rub in order to make delicious slow-cooked pork. In fact, you can achieve a flavorful, tender pork dish with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is the pork of your choice, seasonings like salt and pepper, and a liquid such as broth or wine.

However, if you’re looking for even more flavor, adding a dry rub can give you that extra kick your dish needs. With a dry rub, you can experiment with different flavors like chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin to create a unique taste. Simply mix together the desired spices and rub them onto the pork before placing it into the slow cooker. 

How to freeze

Freezing pork belly is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy the dish later on. When freezing pork belly, it’s important to first place it in an airtight freezer bag or container and make sure there is no air inside. This will help prevent freezer burn or oxidation that could affect the flavor and texture.

It’s also best to freeze the pork belly as soon as possible after cooking. When you’re ready to reheat your slow cooked pork belly, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a pan on the stove or in the oven.

With proper freezing and reheating techniques, you can enjoy delicious slow cooked pork belly for days!

slow cooked pork belly

How to serve

Slow cooked pork belly is a delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for a flavorful accompaniment to your pork belly, consider serving it with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

To add some crunch to your meal, try serving the pork belly with a side of onion rings or deep-fried zucchini.

For a more savory flavor, serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. You can also create a delicious stew by combining the pork belly with beans, vegetables, and herbs.

For something lighter and fresher, serve the pork belly with a cucumber and tomato salad, or some freshly baked bread. No matter which side you choose, your slow-cooked pork belly will be sure to please.

8 Hour Slow Cooked Pork Belly

Taste the mouthwatering flavors of 8 hour slow cooked pork belly. Enjoy the succulent crispy skin and tender juicy meat - a truly delicious dish!

Course Main Course
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Pork Belly
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 1.5 cup Stock chicken or vegetable
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 piece Onion

Instructions

  1. Using a large sharp knife, start by chopping the onion in half and then into small, roughly equal pieces. Spread these across the bottom of the slow cooker.

  2. Next, I start by rubbing the cumin and thyme into the pork skin, making sure to evenly season it. Then I carefully place it over the onion in the slow cooker.

  3. Combine stock, honey, garlic, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Once all the ingredients are combined, poured the mixture on the pork and around.

  4. I set my slow cooker to low and let the delicious ingredients slowly simmer for 8 hours.

  5. Preheated the oven to 400F and carefully transferred the pork onto a lined baking tray. Then placed it in the oven and left it to roast for around 1 hour.

  6. Slice pork and serve!

Recipe Rating