What is pork belly used for?

It is a fatty, flavorful cut of meat that is used to make bacon . It's also commonly roasted, braised, and grilled. Pork belly is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, such as Korean barbecue, Chinese roast pork, and Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches.

Is pork belly good or bad for you?

Yes, pork belly can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods. Is pork belly high in cholesterol? Pork belly does contain cholesterol, but dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than previously believed. However, moderation is still key.

What are 3 ways that pork belly can be cooked?

For pork aficionados, pork belly is IT. Here's a look at three easy ways to cook it: stovetop, grilling and oven roasted . It's a triple threat on the delicious front.

What is so great about pork belly?

Pork belly is known for its succulent flavor, versatility, and low cost — all of which help make it a staple ingredient in many world cuisines. However, compared with other cuts of pork, pork belly contains more calories, total fat, and saturated fat.

Why is pork belly so expensive?

It goes back to the elementary lessons of supply and demand. According to market analysis, pork bellies' supply is tight . The latest Cold Storage report by the USDA shows stocks of frozen bellies at a record low. Basically, the bacon stash is depleted, and it is time to restock the freezers.

Is pork belly basically bacon?

Large slabs of meat are cut from the underside of the pig, known as pork belly. The pork belly is later seasoned, smoked, and sliced to make bacon . Many producers cure the meat by adding synthetic nitrates or nitrites and also choose to add sugar. This isn't the only way to make bacon, however.

33 Inspired Asian Pork Recipes for Lunar New Year (2024)

Celebrating the Lunar New Year in the Year of the Pig? Here are 33 auspicious recipes that feature pork; the other white meat. If you are into recipe roundups and are wondering how to cook with an Instant Pot, check out this handy 25 Beginner Instant Pot Recipe Roundup. Or, explore savoury lemon recipes in this 56 Bright and Beautiful Savoury Lemon Recipes roundup. citrus

Local Pork Stars

The rising price of beef and chicken has nudged many consumers towards the other, often less expensive white meat; pork. Others have begun toinclude more veggie forward mains into their diets. I love my meatless dinners, like this Lentil Tajine with Whole Roasted Cauliflower but I also enjoy meat at meals. Supporting local pig farmers ensures that your meat based meals contain the very best, humanely raised pork. Read about my local pork stars, Christopher and Jessica from Bear and the Flower Farm here.

Celebrating Lunar New Year

This year, Lunar New Year festivities begin February 5th with the Spring Festival and end on February 19th with the Lantern Festival. Lunar New Year is primarily celebrated by East Asians of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian descent. There are other countries such as Japan that may celebrate theLunar New Year as a result of their history even though they no longer follow the lunar calendar.

The Year of the Pig

This year those who celebrate the Lunar New Year are welcoming the Year of the Pig. How very fortunate for us, that the pig is one of the most delicious of the Chinese zodiac animals. With this in mind, I have strung together some of the most delicious Asian pork recipes from bloggers all over the world.

Ground Pork Recipes

Ground pork is a common ingredient in Asian pork recipes, from dumplings and stir frys to lettuce cups (San Choy Bao) and sticky rice. It’s easy to work with and is really versatile. During Lunar New Year a plate full of plump and juicy pork dumplings are eaten to ensure the new year is full of prosperity and wealth.

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Chinese Pork Dumplings by Bernice at Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

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Ma Po Tofu Warriors Meal from Abbe: This is How I Cook

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Asian Pork Meatballs Lori at Snacks and Sips

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Crispy Homemade Egg Rolls with a Sesame Ginger Dipping Sauce Meaghan

at4 Sons ‘R’ Us

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Instant Pot Chinese Sticky Rice with Sausage from Urvashi at Two Sleevers

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Steamed Piglet Buns Karen’s Kitchen Stories

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Taiwanese Pumpkin Noodles Caroline’s Cooking

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San Choy Bao from Caroline’s Cooking

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Kimchee Pork Dahn at Pancakes Savor the Best

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Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls Carol at From a Chef’s Kitchen

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Crispy Pork Wontons Lisa Cooking with Curls

Great Cuts of Pork

In general, pork is considered lucky or brings the promise of progress. Those born in the year of the pig are said to have great personalities and are blessed with good fortune throughout life.

From a large braised pork hock to cha siu pork loin, I promise you there are endless ways to enjoy delicious (and lucky!) pork in the following Asian pork recipes.

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Chinese Braised Pork Hock in Black Bean Sauce by Brian from Krumpli

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Pork Kimchi Fries from Tina at Fusion Craftiness

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Hakka Char Yoke by Anita from Daily Cooking Quest

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Bun Thit Nuong Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles

Tara’s Multicultural Table

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Cha Siu Bao Mi by Jessica at Sweet and Savor

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Hoisin Glazed Pork Loin by Blair at The Seasoned Mom

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Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Sliders by Amy from House of Nash Eats

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Vietnamese Pork Noodle Bowl Danielle at Went There 8 This

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Pork Ramen Stir Fry from Gina atRunning to the Kitchen

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Crispy Instant Pot Caramelized Pork Ramen Danielle at Went There 8 This

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Dan Dan Noodles by Brian from Krumpli

Pork Belly

Pork belly is one of the most popular cuts of pork used in Asian pork recipes. At Lunar New Year (and every day cooking!), it is prized for it’s rich pork fat goodness and ease of preparation. This succulent cut is fabulous when braised, roasted, steamed, salted, cured and stir fried.

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Cider Chili Pork Belly by Betty at Slow the Cook Down

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Sticky Belly Pork Burgers with Quick Pickled Vegetables from Nicky

at The Kitchen Sanctuary

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Bulgogi Pork Belly Bao by Lisa from Garlic and Zest

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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly from Nicky at The Kitchen Sanctuary

Pork Ribs

Is there anything better than succulent, meaty, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs? From the very traditional Kimchi Braised Pork Ribs to the Smoked Pork Ribs with Asian Spice Rub, you’re sure to find a favourite rib recipe here!

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Honey Soy Pork Ribs by Adrianne fromSweet Caramel Sunday

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Smoked Pork Ribs with Asian Spice Rub by Mary at Vindulge

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Kimchi Braised Keto Whole 30 Pork Ribs Jean at What Great Grandma Ate

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Paleo Baked Ribs Favourite Dry Rub Recipe Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen

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Paleo Korean Pork Ribs Jean at What Great Grandma Ate

Pork Chops

Pork Chops or as I like to call them, little piggy steaks, offer the best bang for your buck. They’re simply wonderful braised or marinated then grilled. During Lunar New Year you will often see them served ‘Shanghai Style’ coated in crumb and deep fried. This is a more historic interpretation as oil used to be in short supply…making this dish a treat only eaten on special occasions. These days, it seems every day can be feast day with these delicious Asian Pork Recipes!