If you’ve been wondering what kind of sauce to serve with pork belly, look no further!
I’ve got 10 delicious sauces that will perfectly complement this rich and flavorful dish.
And trust me, your friends and family will be impressed.
So go ahead and give one (or all) of these a try!
What Sauce Goes with Pork Belly?
Some of the best sauces to pair with pork belly are hoisin sauce, plum sauce, and BBQ sauce. For something a little different, try pairing it with a sweet and sour sauce or a satay sauce.
Is there anything that doesn’t taste good with pork belly?
This delicious, fatty cut of meat is versatile and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
Here are three things to consider when choosing a sauce for your next pork belly dish:
- The Fat Content: Pork belly is a very fatty cut of meat, so you’ll want to choose a sauce that can stand up to the richness. A bold, acidic sauce will help cut through the fat and provide balance to the dish.
- The Level of Smokiness: If you’re using smoked pork belly, you’ll want to choose a sauce that won’t compete with the smoky flavor of the meat. A sweet or fruity sauce will complement the smokiness without overwhelming it.
- The Overall Flavor Profile: When choosing a sauce for pork belly, you’ll want to consider the overall flavor profile of the dish. If you’re serving the pork belly with other strong flavors, like in a soup or stew, you’ll want to choose a more subtle sauce so as not to overwhelm the palate.
With that said, here are 10 sauces that go with pork belly:
Honey Garlic Sauce
Honey garlic sauce only requires a couple ingredients and is done in under 5 minutes, making it a great option when you want something tasty but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
This sauce is perfect for pork belly because it is both sweet and savory.
Easy Customizations
- If you want it to be more savory, add more garlic.
- If you want it to be sweeter, add more honey.
- You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a little bit of heat.
A Tip
If you are serving this sauce with pork belly, make sure to cook the pork belly until it is nice and crispy.
The sauce will add a lot of flavor, but you still want the pork belly to be the star of the dish.
Honey, Soy and Garlic Sauce with Chilli and Lime
Sweet honey, salty soy, tangy lime and a kick of chilli all come together in this addictive sauce.
It’s the perfect partner for pork belly, whether you’re serving it up as part of a dish or just on its own as a tasty treat.
Easy Customizations
- If you’re not a fan of chilli, you can leave it out of the recipe.
- Or, if you want a bit more of a kick, you can add an extra chilli or two.
A Tip
To really make the most of this sauce, cook your pork belly in it.
Simply marinate the pork in the sauce for a few hours, then cook it in a hot oven.
The result will be tender, flavourful pork that is sure to please.
Dijon Mustard Sauce
This sauce is not tricky at all and goes great with pork belly.
It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.
It’s also perfect for when you’re short on time.
Easy Customizations
You can easily make this sauce to your liking.
- If you want it spicier, add more mustard.
- If you want it sweeter, add a touch of honey.
- You can also add a bit of garlic or onion for extra flavor.
A Tip
If you’re using this sauce as a dipping sauce, be sure to cut the pork belly into small pieces.
This will make it easier to dip and will also help the sauce to adhere to the meat.
Vermouth Jus
This jus is an intensely-flavored, meat stock reduction sauce that is traditionally made with pork, but can be made with any type of meat.
It’s perfect for pork belly because it has a rich, complex flavor that can stand up to the pork’s Fat content.
The acidity in the vermouth also helps to cut through the fat and balance the dish.
Easy Customizations
There are a few easy ways to customize this sauce to your liking.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can use a darker vermouth or even red wine.
- If you want it to be a little sweeter, you can add a touch of honey or brown sugar.
- For a more savory flavor, you can add some chopped thyme or sage.
A Tip
When reducing the sauce, be sure to cook it over low heat.
If you cook it too quickly, the sauce can become bitter.
Apple Cider BBQ Sauce
This sauce has sweetness from fresh apple cider, acidity from apple cider vinegar, and a touch of spice from the addition of cayenne pepper.
It’s the perfect compliment to pork belly, which can be a little bit fatty and salty.
The sauce helps to cut through the richness of the pork and balance out the flavors.
Easy Customizations
- If you want a little more sweetness in your sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of honey.
- If you want more of a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon or two of liquid smoke.
- And if you want more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
A Tip
When making this sauce, be sure to simmer it for at least 15 minutes so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.
Cranberry Sauce
Using a handful of real, whole ingredients, this homemade cranberry sauce recipe is so much better than anything you’ll find in a can.
It’s perfect for traditional holiday dinners, but also great for pork belly any time of year.
Cranberry sauce is the perfect complement to pork belly because it cuts through the richness of the dish and provides a tart, bright contrast.
The sweetness of the sauce also balances out the savory flavors of the pork.
Easy Customizations
This cranberry sauce recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking.
- For example, you could add a few tablespoons of orange juice to the sauce for an extra citrusy flavor.
- Or, if you prefer a more savory sauce, you could add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
A Tip
If you’re short on time, you can make this sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Simply reheat the sauce before serving.
Plum Sauce
Fresh plums, soy sauce and Asian spices all come together to make a delicious, slightly sweet and savory sauce that is perfect for pork belly.
The natural sugars in the plums help to caramelize the pork belly, while the soy sauce adds a salty depth of flavor.
Easy Customizations
- If you want a little more heat, you can add in some chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
- For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
A Tip
To really bring out the flavors of the plum sauce, try marinating the pork belly in it for a few hours before cooking.
Sriracha Aioli
Sriracha adds a flavorful heat, while honey and lime give this dish a sweet and sour edge.
It’s the perfect condiment for pork belly, which can be a little too fatty on its own.
Easy Customizations
If you’re not a fan of pork belly, you can use this sauce on chicken or fish instead.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a vegan version of this sauce, simply omit the honey.
A Tip
If you find the sauce too spicy, add a little more honey or lime juice to balance it out.
Hoisin Sauce
This sauce is vegan, gluten-free, sweet, sour, and flavorful.
It’s perfect for pork belly because it has a lot of depth and can really round out the dish.
Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Easy Customizations
- If you want to make this sauce a little spicier, you can add some chili flakes or sriracha.
- If you want it to be more savory, you can add a little soy sauce.
- And if you want it to be sweeter, you can add a little honey.
A Tip
If you’re using this sauce as a marinade, make sure to give it plenty of time to work its magic.
I like to marinate my pork belly in this sauce for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
Satay Sauce
Smooth and creamy with a little chilli kick, satay sauce is the perfect partner for pork belly.
The sauce originates from Indonesia, where it is used as a dipping sauce for skewers of grilled meat.
It’s also great for marinating and basting, as the peanuts add a lovely depth of flavor to the pork.
Easy Customizations
There are many ways to customise satay sauce to your own taste.
- If you like it spicier, add more chilli.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar.
- For a richer sauce, add a little coconut milk.
- And for a gluten-free version, simply substitute the soy sauce for tamari.
A Tip
If you find that your satay sauce is a little too thick, simply add a little water or chicken stock until it reaches the desired consistency.
What Sauce Goes with Pork Belly? (10 Best Sauces)
Ingredients
- Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey, Soy and Garlic Sauce with Chilli and Lime
- Dijon Mustard Sauce
- Vermouth Jus
- Apple Cider BBQ Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce
- Plum Sauce
- Sriracha Aioli
- Hoisin Sauce
- Satay Sauce
Instructions
- Choose your favorite sauce from this list to serve with your pork meal.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!