Get ready to transform your dinner game with these mouthwatering Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps that promise an irresistible combination of crispy, tender pork and fresh, crisp lettuce. This Asian-inspired dish is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some patient cooking, you'll create a show-stopping dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lettuce leaves
- Green onions, chopped
- Hoison sauce
- Sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare pork belly by patting dry with paper towels and generously seasoning with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place pork belly skin-side up in a roasting pan or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven.
- Slow roast the pork belly for approximately 2 hours, allowing the fat to render and meat to become tender. Check periodically to ensure even cooking.
- Remove pork from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes. Then slice into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain.
- While pork is resting, wash and separate lettuce leaves, ensuring they are clean and crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce with a drizzle of sesame oil to create a dipping/drizzling sauce.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter, place sliced pork belly in the center, and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to create their own wraps by placing pork in lettuce leaves and drizzling with hoisin-sesame sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select a high-quality pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Patience is Key: The slow roasting at a low temperature (300°F) is crucial for rendering the fat and creating melt-in-your-mouth meat. Resist the urge to rush the cooking process.
- Crisp Lettuce Matters: Use fresh, crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or iceberg for the best wrap experience. Wash and dry thoroughly to ensure a perfect crunch.
- Sauce Customization: Feel free to adjust the hoisin-sesame sauce to your taste. Add a touch of sriracha for heat or a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.
- Prep Ahead: You can slow-roast the pork belly in advance and reheat before serving, making this a great option for entertaining.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the chopped green onions – they add a fresh, sharp flavor that complements the rich pork perfectly.
- Serving Tip: Serve the components separately, allowing guests to assemble their own wraps for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg
