Savory Glazed Pork Belly with Walnuts
Add Texture and Flavor! Master the Rich Glazed Pork Belly with Walnuts.
This recipe makes thick, succulent pork belly easy to prepare, even for those living alone, using just an air fryer or oven. Drizzling this special sauce not only creates a delightful sweet and savory profile but also doubles the textural experience! We present the recipe for Rich Glazed Pork Belly with Walnuts, where the satisfying texture is the star.
Main Ingredients
- 500g thick pork belly
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper (for seasoning)
- Pinch of dried basil (for seasoning)
Special Sauce
- 12 whole walnuts
- 8 cloves garlic
- 30g soy sauce (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 30g cooking wine (e.g., Mirin) (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 10g sugar (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- 60g corn syrup or maltose (approx. 3 Tbsp)
- 30g water (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 12 whole walnuts
- 8 cloves garlic
- 30g soy sauce (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 30g cooking wine (e.g., Mirin) (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 10g sugar (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- 60g corn syrup or maltose (approx. 3 Tbsp)
- 30g water (approx. 2 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeply and ensures a tender result when cooked. Season the scored pork belly evenly with salt, pepper, and fragrant dried basil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for a richer flavor.
Step 2
Place the seasoned pork belly in the air fryer basket and cook at 180℃ (350℉) for approximately 40 minutes. Flipping it halfway through will ensure even cooking. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 200℃ (400℉) for a similar duration.
Step 3
While the pork belly is roasting, prepare the walnuts and garlic for the sauce. Roughly chop the walnuts with a knife. Avoid chopping them too finely, as a coarser texture will provide a better mouthfeel. Smash the garlic cloves with the side of your knife or chop them coarsely.
Step 4
Heat a little cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the chopped walnuts and garlic and sauté gently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Sauté until a pleasant aroma is released. This process mellows the pungency of the garlic and enhances its nutty flavor.
Step 5
Once the garlic begins to turn lightly golden, add the water, soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and corn syrup to the pan. Stir well to combine. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. The flavors will concentrate as it reduces.
Step 6
Remove the perfectly cooked pork belly from the air fryer and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Generously spoon the freshly made walnut sauce over the warm pork belly. Toss gently to coat the pork belly with the sauce. This creates a delicious sweet and savory glazed pork belly with walnuts, perfect as a side dish or a satisfying snack!
