Chef notes
This recipe is a fan-favorite because it can be used as an appetizer while waiting for longer dishes to cook. The rich saltiness of the pork belly is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the caramelized brown sugar.
Technique tip: Cut your pork belly cubes thin to make them cook faster.
Swap option: Thick-cut bacon can be used instead of pork belly. Feel free to toss these in any sauce, like barbecue, if you don't have teriyaki.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork belly, cubed
- 1 tablespoon five spice
- 1/4 cup barbecue rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
- 2 tablespoons diced scallions (optional)
Preparation
1.Preheat oven or smoker to 300 F.
2.In a large bowl, toss cubed pork belly, five spice and barbecue rub together. Coat every piece evenly.
3.Pour brown sugar on top and toss pork belly in it until coated.
4.Place coated pork belly cubes on a nonstick cookie sheet and sprinkle remaining brown sugar and rub left in the original bowl on top of the pork belly.
5.Cook pork belly until sugar is caramelized and pork belly reaches an internal temp of 195 F, about 25 to 30 minutes.
6.Lightly toss cooked pork belly candy in teriyaki sauce, then sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions on top, if using.
