What to Serve with Pork Belly: 32+ Easy Side Dishes
I’m excited to talk about dinner ideas that make pork belly shine. This rich cut of meat deserves sides that highlight its flavors.
If you’ve wondered what to serve with pork belly, I’ve got you covered. My goal is to share easy and fun options that suit any taste.
You can prepare some bright veggies or comforting starches to balance the tenderness. I love how each side can add crunch or zest.
Let’s explore many ways to pair these amazing bites together and create a delicious feast. Join me now!
What is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is a tasty cut of meat. It often comes with a crispy layer on top when you cook it. Also, it is a versatile choice that is full of rich flavor and moisture.
What to Serve with Pork Belly?
You can serve pork belly with vegetables, potatoes, salads, comforting dishes, pickled treats, or fruit-based sides. Each option helps balance the taste. Try them all for variety and extra fun.
Vegetable Sides
Fresh and colorful vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus pair well with the pork belly recipe. They give a crisp contrast and keep the meal bright.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Red beets, golden beets, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips. Roasting red and golden beets, sweet potatoes, and other roots brings out sweetness. I season with salt and pepper for maximum flavor. They taste wonderful beside sticky pork belly creations.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: I drizzle them with olive oil, then roast until crisp on the outside. This cooking time helps them stay tender inside. They’re a great way to cook green and tasty.
- Braised Greens: Collard greens or kale soften when simmered with stock. I add a dash of five-spice for warmth. This simple side offers a savory touch that pairs with crispy pork belly morsels.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: I sauté mushrooms in butter with a pinch of kosher salt. The mushrooms soak up drops of flavor. They provide a hearty texture that blends with slow-cooked pork belly pieces.
- Bok Choy Stir Fry: Bok choy stir fry gives a crisp bite. I add sliced pork belly for a quick meal, or simply keep it as a side to match that delicious pork dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: I grill asparagus spears until they get char marks. A little seasoning of salt and pepper helps them shine. They’re an easy recipe that also suits pork belly quite well.
- Herb Buttered Corn on the Cob: Steam sweet corn, then slather it with herb butter and a pinch of salt. That crunchy bite goes well with roast pork. It’s simple and a crowd pleaser.
Potato Side Dishes
Potatoes fill you up and pair well with crispy crackling from pork belly. I like them mashed, roasted, or combined with herbs to add notes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: I boil peeled potatoes, then mash them with butter, cream, and garlic. That texture tastes great next to pork belly with salt. Everyone loves this comforting side at roast dinners.
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: Thin potato slices bake in a rich sauce. I add a bit of cheese on top for extra crisp. This dish brings comfort when paired with tender pork belly bites.
- Grilled Potato Salad: I grill potato chunks, then toss them with a tangy vinaigrette. This method gives a smoky note that feels like a match made in heaven with sweet roast pork flavors.
- Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes: I coat potatoes with lemon zest and herbs, then roast for an hour. That bright taste pairs well with braised pork served hot. It’s an easy way to impress guests.
- German Potato Salad: I serve this warm with bacon bits and a light dressing. The tangy flavor brightens your meal. It also helps balance the richness of succulent pork belly on the plate.
Refreshing Salads
Cool salads add crisp bites that foil the fatty layers of pork belly. I enjoy tossing raw veggies with enough dressing to keep flavors light.
- Red Cabbage Slaw: I shred red cabbage and carrots, then blend them with olive oil and vinegar. That pop of color looks pretty. It adds a crunchy crackling element next to tender pork belly slices.
- Marinated Cucumber Salad: I marinate cucumber rounds with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. The crisp texture refreshes each bite. It pairs well with slow-roasted or even air fryer pork belly.
- Arugula Salad: I toss arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan. The peppery leaves stand up to thick pieces of pork belly. It’s a simple dish that’s quick to prepare.
- Tomato Cucumber Salad: Chopped tomatoes and cucumbers go in a bowl with onions. I drizzle light dressing over the top. You’ll find the crunch stands out next to your favorite pork belly meal.
- Fennel Celery Salad: I shave fennel and slice celery, then toss them together. A little lemon juice keeps things fresh. This mix cuts through rich, delicious pork and helps keep the meal balanced.
- Broccoli Slaw: I shred broccoli stems and add carrots, then blend a light dressing. That crunchy mix works with crisp pork belly edges. It’s easy to prepare and brightens any dinner table.
Hearty and Comforting Dishes
Sometimes I crave warm and cozy meals. Pairing them with pork belly in a sticky sauce makes nights special. These dishes feel like big hugs.
- Mac and Cheese: Cheesy Mac brings gooey goodness to the table. You can top it with crispy skin bits from roast pork belly. It’s perfect for any big crowd at dinner time.
- Creamy Polenta: I stir cornmeal with water and a secret ingredient like butter and cheese. That silky base cradles each piece of pork belly. The flavorsome contrast can warm you up fast.
- Cauliflower Cheese: I bake cauliflower florets in a creamy cheese sauce. That mild veggie works nicely with crispy pork belly edges. The dish that’s so simple, yet it feels like a treat.
- Cornbread: I mix cornmeal, eggs, and milk to make homemade cornbread. It’s sweet and crumbly. Slather with butter to enjoy a side that pairs with crunchy crackling from pork belly.
- Fried Rice: I stir-fry rice with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions. Then I add soy sauce or sweet and sour glaze. The result is a quick side for pork dinners.
- Ramen Noodles: I top ramen noodles with pieces of delicious pork belly in a sticky sauce. The noodles soak up savory juices. It’s a warm meal that satisfies big cravings in minutes.
- Chickpea Stew: Chickpeas simmer with tomatoes and seasonings to form a hearty base. I enjoy adding tender pork belly on top. Each spoonful has protein and flavor that feels comforting any time.
Pickled and Fermented Sides
Pickled items cut through the richness of slow-cooked pork belly. They give a tart edge that helps every bite stay fresh and never too heavy.
- Quick Pickled Cucumbers: I soak cucumber slices in vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of chilli flakes. After a short chill, they pop with flavor. That zingy taste helps offset fatty aspects of pork.
- Kimchi: I love the spicy tang from Korean fermented cabbage. That taste stands strong next to crisp pork belly edges. You can buy it ready-made or make at home with ease.
- Pickled Red Onions: I slice onions thin, then soak them in vinegar and sugar. The bright color complements roast pork belly. Their taste also lifts the meal, making each bite lively and fun.
- Sauerkraut: I enjoy sauerkraut’s sour crunch with pork. It’s made by fermenting cabbage, which gives a taste. This contrast keeps the meal lively without overwhelming main star on the plate.
- Pickled Radishes: I place radish slices in vinegar, a dash of sugar, plus any seasoning. That bite offers sweet and sour notes. It helps each forkful of pork belly taste nicely balanced.
Fruit-Based Sides for Pork Belly
Sweet fruits can brighten pork belly recipes. They add a burst of freshness that makes each plate pop. Try these ideas to surprise your family.
- Apple Sauce: I simmer peeled apples with a little sugar and cinnamon. That sauce sits perfectly beside crispy pork belly. The combination of sweet and savory flavors appeals to many taste buds.
- Grilled Pineapple: I grill pineapple slices until they get caramelized lines. That juicy sweetness pairs well with any meat options. You get a very nice tropical twist for your next roast dinner.
- Mango Chutney: This sticky sauce is made from cooked mangoes, spices, and sugar. The result is sweet, with a touch of heat. Spread it on roast pork belly for a flavorful option.
- Cranberry Relish: I simmer cranberries with sugar until they pop. The tartness keeps succulent pork belly flavors in check. It reminds me of holidays but works any time you need a side.
- Watermelon Salsa: I chop watermelon, onions, and jalapenos. A toss with lime juice creates a cool salsa. That sweet and spicy mix stands out next to grilled or pan-seared pork belly slices.
Final Thoughts
I hope these ideas inspire you to find side dishes for pork belly that fit your taste.
Each option can turn a simple pork dish into a fantastic meal. Remember to season with salt and let the crisp skin shine.
Feel free to try new flavors, like a sticky sauce or sweet and sour marinade. Get creative with crunchy vegetables or sweet fruits.
Great sides help highlight that succulent texture, making your meal memorable and satisfying.
Come back anytime you tend to want more tasty suggestions in your fun kitchen.
