This crispy, tender Trader Joes Pork Belly Recipe is made with pre-cooked pork belly and a simple soy-maple glaze, ready in just 20 minutes. The sizzling pan turns the thick layer of fat into a deeply caramelized, golden-brown crust. I love how little effort it takes to get restaurant-quality results on a busy weeknight.
The Secret To Getting It Right
At first, I struggled to get the pre-cooked pork belly truly crispy without drying out the meat. The trick is slicing it thick and starting it in a cold pan.
As the pan slowly heats, the fat renders out naturally, creating a perfectly crispy exterior. Adding the glaze at the very end prevents the sugars from burning in the hot skillet.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Pork Belly Recipe Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Pork Belly
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
How To Make Trader Joes Pork Belly Recipe
- Slice the Pork: Remove the pork belly from the package and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Start Cold: Place the slices into a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium-low.
- Crisp and Render: Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the fat renders and the edges turn golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Glaze and Finish: Pour the glaze into the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking, tossing the pork to coat until sticky.
Recipe Tips
- Start cold: A cold pan helps the fat render slowly, preventing the outside from burning before the inside gets tender.
- Pat it dry: Use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the package before slicing for maximum crispiness.
- Watch the heat: Once the glaze is added, lower the heat immediately so the maple syrup does not burn.
What To Serve With Pork Belly
I like serving this rich cut over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sticky glaze. It also pairs wonderfully with quick-pickled cucumbers and roasted bok choy for a balanced meal.
How To Store
Keep leftover pork belly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to restore the crispy texture, as microwaving makes it rubbery.
FAQs
- Can I cook this in the air fryer? Yes, you can air fry the slices at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush the glaze on during the last 2 minutes.
- Is Trader Joe’s pork belly already cooked? Yes, it comes fully cooked via sous-vide. Your goal is simply to heat it through and crisp the exterior.
- Do I need to add oil to the pan? Usually, the pork belly produces enough of its own fat. However, a tiny drop of vegetable oil can help start the rendering process.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
- Protein: 14 g
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joes Potstickers Recipe
- Trader Joes Ramen Recipe
- Trader Joes Harvest Blend Recipe With Squash & Cranberries
Trader Joes Pork Belly Recipe
3
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesThis crispy Trader Joes Pork Belly Recipe transforms pre-cooked pork belly into sticky bites using a quick soy-maple glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, it is an incredibly simple low-effort dinner for busy weeknights when you crave something rich.
Ingredients
1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Pork Belly
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
- 1. Slice the Pork: Remove the pork belly from the package and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- 2. Start Cold: Place the slices into a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium-low.
- 3. Crisp and Render: Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the fat renders and the edges turn golden brown.
- 4. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- 5. Glaze and Finish: Pour the glaze into the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking, tossing the pork to coat until sticky.
