What Sauces Go With Pork Belly? BEST Guide!

What Sauces Go With Pork Belly?

Some popular sauces that you can serve with pork belly include barbecue, hoisin, and apple. 

If you’re in the mood for an Asian inspired sauce, try soy and honey, or  sweet chilli. 

For a creamy sauce, consider garlic cream, mayonnaise and mustard, or smoked paprika and olive oil. 

Want some more choices? Keep reading for the full lowdown and more options, including wine based and delicious sweet and savoury glazes… 

Classic Sauces for Pork Belly

In this section, we’ll explore three classic sauces that complement pork belly perfectly: Barbecue Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, and Apple Sauce. 

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a classic choice for pork belly.

It adds a smoky and tangy flavour that marries well with the richness of the meat.

Store-bought barbecue sauces come in a variety of types, from sweet and sticky to spicy and bold, so choose your favourite and don’t be shy to slather it on!

Alternatively, you can make your own barbecue sauce by combining ingredients like tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and your choice of spices.

A homemade sauce will give you the freedom to adjust the taste to your liking and impress your guests with a unique touch.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce, a staple in Chinese cuisine, lends a deliciously sweet and savoury flavour to pork belly.

Its complex taste comes from ingredients such as soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and a variety of spices.

Hoisin sauce adds an irresistible umami depth to your pork belly dish, making it a must-try when you’re looking for a new way to enjoy this succulent cut of meat.

Consider marinating your pork belly in hoisin sauce or using it as a dipping sauce for finished dishes like crispy pork belly or pork belly sliders.

Apple Sauce

A timeless pairing, apple sauce and pork belly go hand in hand.

The fruity sweetness of apple sauce cuts through the rich fattiness of pork, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to be a hit.

Homemade apple sauce is incredibly simple to make: just cook peeled and chopped apples with a touch of sugar and water until softened, then blend or mash to create a silky-smooth sauce.

You can also add a hint of cinnamon and lemon juice for extra depth of flavour. 

Asian-Inspired Sauces for Pork Belly

When it comes to enjoying pork belly, there are several Asian-inspired sauces that can elevate the flavours of this tender and fatty cut of meat.

In this section, we’ll explore some popular options like Soy Sauce and Honey Glaze, Sweet Chili Sauce, and Fish Sauce with Sesame Seeds.

Soy Sauce and Honey Glaze

Soy sauce and honey make a tasty combination that lends both sweet and savoury notes to your pork belly dish.

To prepare this glaze, simply mix equal parts of soy sauce and honey with a bit of minced garlic to taste.

Adjust the proportions based on your preference for a sweeter or saltier flavour.

Marinate your pork belly in this mixture for a few hours to really let the flavours seep in.

While cooking, you can brush more of the sauce on the pork to create a sticky, caramelised crust. This glaze is a popular choice in Asian cooking, thanks to its bold, mouthwatering flavour profile.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

Sweet chilli sauce is another fantastic option that can be easily prepared at home or bought ready-made from the store.

This irresistible sauce often comprises ingredients like Thai chilli sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and mayonnaise to create a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy taste.

It complements the fattiness of the pork belly, offering a nice contrast of flavours. 

Fish Sauce and Sesame Seeds

Last but not least in terms of Asian sauces for pork belly, is a creative combination of fish sauce and sesame seeds.

Fish sauce lends a distinctive umami flavour, while toasted sesame seeds add crunch and nuttiness.

To make this sauce, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chopped garlic.

Adjust the sweetness and acidity as desired.

Once you’ve cooked your pork belly, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and then drizzle the fish sauce mixture over the meat, letting the flavours meld and create a unique fusion of taste.

Creamy Sauces for Pork Belly

When it comes to pairing pork belly with a rich and delightful sauce, creamy options never disappoint.

These sauces beautifully complement the juicy, fatty character of the pork belly, and enhance its savoury flavours.

In this section, we’ll explore three creamy sauces specifically: Garlic Cream Sauce, Mayonnaise and Mustard Sauce, and Smoked Paprika and Olive Oil Sauce.

Garlic Cream Sauce

A classic and flavourful choice, a Garlic Cream Sauce is an ideal companion for your pork belly dish. This sauce combines the smooth texture of cream with the invigorating aroma of garlic, creating a mouth-watering experience.

To make this sauce, you’ll need:

• 200ml double cream
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Simply sauté the garlic in a small amount of butter until fragrant, then add the double cream, and allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens.

Season with salt and pepper to your preference, and enjoy this splendid sauce drizzled over your pork belly.

Mayonnaise and Mustard Sauce

For a tangy twist, try a Mayonnaise and Mustard Sauce.

Mixing mayonnaise with mustard creates a creamy yet zesty sauce that perfectly complements the richness of pork belly.

To make this sauce, grab the following ingredients:

• 100ml mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, and honey in a bowl, mixing well.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve this enticing sauce with your pork belly.

Smoked Paprika and Olive Oil Sauce

Elevate your pork belly dish with a Smoked Paprika and Olive Oil Sauce.

This combination of smoked paprika and olive oil creates a silky, creamy sauce that harmonises beautifully with the flavours of the pork.

You’ll need:

• 100ml olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Whisk the olive oil and smoked paprika together until fully incorporated.

Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Drizzle this delectable and colourful sauce over your pork belly for a stunning presentation and exquisite taste.

Wine-Based Sauces

In this section, we’ll explore some mouth-watering wine-based sauces that pair perfectly with pork belly.

These sauces will enhance the rich flavours of the pork while adding depth and character to the dish.

Red Wine and Onion Sauce

The combination of red wine and onion can create a delightful sauce that marries well with pork belly.

Start by sautéing chopped onions in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and translucent.

Then, add a good quality red wine, such as a Merlot or Shiraz, and let it simmer to reduce slightly. You can also add veal or beef stock to heighten the depth of the sauce.

Cook it down, allowing the flavours to meld and the alcohol to cook off.

This sauce will be rich, caramelised, and packed with flavour – a perfect match for your pork belly dish.

Vermouth Jus

Vermouth is a fortified wine that brings a unique, aromatic twist to any sauce.

To create a vermouth jus, begin by sautéing shallots in a saucepan until translucent.

Add a dry white vermouth and let it reduce by half.

Introduce chicken or pork stock and let the mixture simmer until it has reached a delicious, syrupy consistency.

Finally, strain the sauce through a fine sieve, discard the solids, and season to taste. This Vermouth jus is an elegant accompaniment to pork belly, enhancing the meat’s flavours without overpowering them.

Meat Stock Reduction

A meat stock reduction creates a flavour-packed base for many sauces, including those for pork belly.

To make a meat stock reduction, start by choosing your preferred stock type, such as chicken, pork, or beef, and slowly simmer it until reduced to half its original volume.

You can then add red wine, the juice from cooked pork belly, or aromatic herbs to further enhance the sauce’s richness and complexity.

The resulting meat stock reduction will be a concentrated, flavourful sauce that adds a sumptuous touch to your pork belly dish.

These wine-based sauces will surely elevate your pork belly dishes to new heights. Give them a try, and enjoy the tantalising taste experience they bring.

Sweet and Savoury Glazes

In this section, we’ll explore two glazes perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and savoury flavour to your pork belly dish: Honey Garlic Sauce and Maple Syrup and Bourbon Glaze.

Honey Garlic Sauce

The combination of honey and garlic brings just the right amount of sweetness with a savoury edge, creating a delectable sauce for your pork belly.

To make this sauce, simply combine equal parts honey and soy sauce, then add minced garlic and a touch of ground ginger.

You can use this glaze while roasting or grilling your pork belly, or even as a finishing sauce to drizzle on top.

As you cook your pork belly, the honey in the sauce will caramelise, giving your dish a wonderful depth of flavour and a beautiful golden crust.

The garlic also adds a savoury note, enhancing the natural richness of the pork. This sauce is perfect for those who love the balance between sweet and savoury in their dishes.

Maple Syrup and Bourbon Glaze

Another delicious option for your pork belly glaze is combining maple syrup with bourbon.

This creates a luxuriously rich and complex sauce that beautifully enhances the pork belly’s flavour.

To make this glaze, mix equal parts maple syrup and bourbon, then add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky hint, which pairs perfectly with the pork’s rich flavours.

As the pork belly cooks, the maple syrup and bourbon will reduce, forming a thick and full-bodied glaze.

This sauce adds a unique layer of flavour to your dish, with the sweetness of maple syrup contrasting the bold and smoky notes of bourbon.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their pork belly offering! 

For more mealtime ideas with pork, head over to sides for pork schnitzel!