What Herbs and Spices Go with Pork Belly? (13 Options)

When it comes to cooking pork belly, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

The first is that pork belly is a fatty cut of meat, so it’s important to render some of the fat before cooking.

The second is that pork belly benefits from long, slow cooking methods like braising or roasting.

And last but not least, pork belly is delicious when flavored with herbs and spices.

So if you are wondering ‘what herbs and spices go with pork belly?’ then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 13 of my favorite herbs and spices for Pork Belly including sage, thyme, fennel, cumin, and more.

What Herbs and Spices Go with Pork Belly?

The most common herbs and spices to use with pork belly are sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. However, you can also experiment with other flavors, such as fennel seeds, cumin, cloves, and even black pepper.

Still looking for ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 13 herbs and spices that go well with pork belly:

1. Garlic

Garlic has a pungent, spicy, and earthy flavor that goes well with pork belly.

You can use garlic in many different forms such as fresh, minced, roasted, or powdered.

When using garlic powder, be sure to start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes such as stir-fries, soups, stews, and marinades.

It is also a good idea to pair garlic with other strong flavors such as ginger, onion, chiles, and fish sauce.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary has a very pronounced lemon-pine flavor that makes it a perfect match for pork belly.

It also contains several antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

When used in cooking, rosemary can help boost cognitive function and memory recall.

To use rosemary with pork belly, simply add a sprig or two to the pan when cooking.

You can also chop up the herb and mix it into a rub for the meat before cooking.

3. Sage

Sage has a strong herbal flavor that is earthy, slightly peppery, and lemony.

It goes well with fatty meats like pork belly because it can help to cut through the richness of the dish.

Try using sage in a rub or spice blend for pork belly before cooking.

You can also use it to make a sage-infused oil or vinegar to drizzle over cooked pork belly.

4. Thyme

Thyme is both earthy and minty, making it a perfect seasoning for pork belly.

This herb is also great for other cuts of pork, including chops and tenderloin.

If you want to really bring out the flavor of thyme, try pairing it with garlic.

5. Oregano

Oregano is a robust herb with a peppery bite that can be used fresh or dried.

It’s a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, but it also goes well with pork belly.

The herb has a strong flavor, so you don’t need to use much of it to season your dish.

Just a little bit will do!

6. Parsley

Parsley has a bright, herbaceous, and quite bitter taste that can liven up any dish.

It’s also an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in both cooked and raw dishes.

When it comes to pork belly, parsley is a great way to balance out the richness of the meat.

Try using it in a simple preparation like this:

• 1/2 teaspoon parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly cubes.
4. Place the pork on a rack over a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until crisp and caramelized.
5. Enjoy!

7. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of anise, mint, and pepper.

When it comes to pork belly, the natural fattiness of the meat can be overwhelming, but basil helps to cut through that.

A popular way to enjoy pork belly is in the form of bacon, and adding some fresh basil leaves to your BLT will elevate the flavors even further.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try wrapping your pork belly in a Basil-infused pancetta before cooking it.

The results are truly delicious!

8. Cumin

Hearty and rich, warm and earthy, with an edge of citrus – cumin is a perfect seasoning for pork belly.

When used in moderation, it can enhance the flavor of the meat without overpowering it.

Cumin is often used in Middle Eastern, North African, and Indian cuisines.

It’s a key ingredient in many spice blends, including garam masala and curry powder.

If you want to experiment with using cumin on pork belly, try this recipe:

1. Rub the pork belly with a mixture of cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and continue roasting for another 30 minutes or until the pork belly is cooked through.

9. Coriander

Floral and citrusy, coriander is quite the fresh-tasting spice.

It’s actually the seed of the cilantro plant, and when dried, it takes on a more pungent flavor.

When used in dishes, coriander is often paired with other strong spices like cumin or chili pepper.

But it can also be used as a standalone seasoning.

Coriander goes really well with pork belly.

The fatty meat can handle the strong flavor of the spice, and the two work together to create a dish that’s packed with flavor.

If you’re looking for something new to try with pork belly, give coriander a try.

10. Fennel

Fennel has a pretty mild anise or licorice flavor, and it goes really well with pork belly.

You can use fennel in a rub or just sprinkle it on before cooking. It’ll add a nice flavor without being too overpowering.

If you’re using fennel in a rub, you’ll want to combine it with other spices like salt, pepper, and paprika.

If you’re just sprinkling it on, you can also add some garlic powder or onion powder.

Just experiment until you find a combination that you like!

11. Chili Peppers

Lastly, if you want some heat in your pork belly, consider using chili peppers.

Chili peppers will give your pork belly a nice kick while still allowing the flavors of the pork to shine through.

You can use fresh chili peppers, dried chili peppers, or even flakes if you want to control the heat a bit more.

Just be careful not to add too much, as it can easily overpower the dish.

12. Tarragon

Tarragon is often compared to licorice, anise, and fennel in terms of taste, but it has a more subtle flavor.

This herb is commonly used in French cuisine and goes well with poultry, fish, and pork dishes.

If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your pork belly dish, try tarragon!

13. Paprika

Depending on the type of paprika, it can have a mild to intense heat.

It is made from grinding dried peppers and is commonly used as a seasoning or colorant.

When used as a seasoning, it can be added to meats, eggs, stews, and sauces.

When used for coloring, it is often seen in cheddar cheese and smoked meats.

Paprika pairs well with pork belly because it can add depth of flavor without being overwhelming.

The smokiness of the paprika will also complement the natural flavors of the pork belly.