Description
Seared Pork Belly with Honey Glaze and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 lb pork belly
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
4 medium potatoes
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
Fresh thyme
Walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Season and sear the pork belly until crispy, then coat in the honey glaze.
Boil and mash potatoes with butter, cream, and seasoning.
Serve the pork belly over mashed potatoes, drizzle glaze, and garnish.
This dish is perfect for your next dinner party
#DinnerDelight
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly completely dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring it gets into the scores.
2. Sear to Crispy Perfection: Heat a heavy skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Place the pork belly skin-side down. Sear without moving for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove to a plate.
3. Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Glaze the Pork: Return the pork belly to the skillet, turning to coat thoroughly in the glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes per side to caramelize.
5. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While pork cooks, boil peeled, cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly. Mash with butter, warm heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Plate a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Slice the glazed pork belly and arrange it over the potatoes. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. This rich dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of roasted green beans or a crisp apple-fennel salad to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Dry and score pork belly, then sear skin-side down until crispy. Create a simple glaze with honey, soy, mustard, and garlic in the same pan, then coat the pork. Boil and mash potatoes with butter and cream. Serve pork over potatoes, garnished with nuts and herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the pork belly ahead of time? Yes, you can season and score the pork belly up to a day in advance, keeping it covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before searing.
My glaze is too thick. What should I do? Thin it with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth and whisk over low heat until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency.
What’s the best way to get super crispy skin? The key is to start with a completely dry piece of skin, score it well, and sear it in a preheated pan without moving it until it releases easily.
Can I use a different cut of pork? Pork belly is ideal for its fat content. For a leaner option, try pork tenderloin medallions, but reduce cooking time significantly to avoid dryness.
How do I fix lumpy mashed potatoes? Ensure your potatoes are fully cooked and use a potato ricer or food mill for guaranteed smoothness before adding your butter and cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Pork Skin: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Always pat it dry thoroughly.
- Moving the Pork Too Soon: Let it sear undisturbed to form a proper crust that won’t stick.
- Overcrowding the Pan: This steams the meat instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Using Cold Dairy in Mashed Potatoes: Adding cold butter or cream cools the potatoes and makes them gluey. Warm your cream and use room-temperature butter.
- Over-mashing the Potatoes: This releases too much starch, resulting in a gummy texture. Mash just until smooth.
Conclusion
This Seared Pork Belly with Honey Glaze is a stunning, restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to master at home. The combination of crispy, savory pork, sweet and sticky glaze, and creamy mashed potatoes creates an unforgettable flavor and texture experience. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently prepare a show-stopping centerpiece for your next special dinner. The balance of rich, sweet, and savory elements, finished with a nutty crunch, guarantees it will be a memorable delight for your guests.