Cooking Up Quick and Easy Pork Belly in the Microwave
As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to speed up and simplify my cooking without giving up taste. I just recently learned that you can cook juicy, tender pork belly in the microwave! It tastes great and only takes a fraction of the time that baking in the oven does.
In this article, I’ll share my tips and techniques for microwave-cooking pork belly We’ll cover
- Benefits of using the microwave
- Ingredients and preparations
- Step-by-step microwave cooking guide
- Crisping the skin with additional methods
- Flavoring ideas to try
- Serving suggestions
- Safety considerations
After lots of trials, I’ve got the microwave pork belly method down pat With the right tricks, you can enjoy delicious pork belly any night of the week thanks to your microwave’s help Keep reading to learn how!
Why Cook Pork Belly in the Microwave?
Here are some of the advantages of using the microwave for pork belly:
- Lightning fast cooking times
- Lower fat rendering compared to oven roasting
- Easy to monitor and adjust cook times
- Minimal cleanup since you can cook right on a plate
Microwave energy thoroughly and evenly penetrates the pork while steam keeps it moist. Best of all, you can have tasty pork belly on the table in about 15-20 minutes flat!
Ingredients & Prep Work
To start, you’ll need:
- 1-2 lb pork belly, skin on
- Salt, pepper and other seasonings of choice
- Microwave-safe plate or dish
- Aluminum foil or microwave splatter cover (optional)
Trim excess fat from the pork belly if needed. Score the skin lightly in a crosshatch pattern to help render the fat. Season all over with salt and pepper or dry rub spices.
Combine Microwaving and Broiling for Perfect Results
Here is my step-by-step method for cooking juicy, tender pork belly in the microwave:
-
Place pork belly skin-side down on a microwave-safe plate. Add 1⁄4 cup water.
-
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a splatter cover. Microwave 5 minutes on medium power.
-
Reduce power to 50%. Microwave in 3-4 minute bursts, checking often. Cook until nearly done, about 12-15 minutes total.
-
Remove from microwave when still slightly undercooked in center. Let rest 5 minutes.
-
Set oven to high broil. Broil pork 2-3 minutes to crisp skin.
Microwaving first partly cooks the pork while also rendering some fat. A quick broil at the end crisps up the skin. For added flavor, glaze with barbecue sauce during the final broiling.
Microwave Flavor Ideas
One benefit of microwave cooking is that any aromatics and liquids cook right alongside the pork belly:
-
Apple cider, wine or water in the dish add moisture.
-
Soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, etc. infuse Asian flavors.
-
Garlic, onions, chili peppers add extra flavor.
-
Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage or thyme season beautifully.
Get creative with marinades, spice rubs and sauce glazes. The microwave locks in all the delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Juicy microwave pork belly pairs well with:
-
Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots or asparagus
-
Grain side dishes such as rice, quinoa, farro or couscous to soak up the savory juices
-
Sauces and glazes like hoisin, plum sauce, mustard or chipotle mayo
-
Fresh garnishes like lime, cilantro, scallions or sesame seeds
Slice into strips or cubes and add to salads, pasta, soup and more. Microwave pork belly makes for quick, easy meals.
Safety Tips
To safely microwave pork:
-
Use fresh, thoroughly-prepped pork within 2 days.
-
Defrost fully in the refrigerator if previously frozen.
-
Always use a microwave-safe dish to prevent cracking.
-
Cover to prevent splatter and trap steam.
-
Allow to rest before eating; contents will be extremely hot.
-
Cook to a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F.
With proper microwaving technique, you can safely cook moist and delicious pork belly for your family.
Quick and Convenient Pork Belly
I’m amazed at how well the microwave handles pork belly, turning out fork-tender results in a fraction of traditional cook times. With minimal prep and cleanup, plus built-in flavor from aromatics and sauces, it’s my new go-to for fast, easy pork belly meals.
I’d love to hear if you try microwaving pork belly, and any additional tips you have! This cooking hack is too good not to share with fellow busy home cooks.
Air Fryer Magic
One of the quickest ways to cook pork belly is by using an air fryer. Modern kitchen appliances like this one use hot air circulation to make food crispy in a lot less time than old-fashioned methods.
Steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Use a sharp knife to make cuts in the pork belly skin, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- Use your favorite seasoning mix to rub on the pork belly to make it taste better.
- Put the pork belly in the air fryer basket with the skin side facing up.
- It should be cooked for twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until the meat is soft and the skin is crispy.
- Once you take it out of the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. Then cut it up and serve.
2. Sizzling Skillet Method
Don’t worry if you don’t have an air fryer. You can still make delicious pork belly on the stove, and it’s very quick.
Steps:
- Cut the pork belly into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Put the pan on medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- Spread the pork belly out in the hot pan to make sure it cooks evenly.
- The pork belly should be cooked for three to four minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Take the pork belly out of the pan and let it rest for a few minutes after it’s done cooking.
3. Quick Grilling Goodness
If you’re a fan of deliciously smoky flavors, then grilling your pork belly is the way to go.
Steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the pork belly into thick slices or manageable chunks.
- Season the pork belly with your desired spices and marinade.
- Put the pork belly right over the flame on a grill that has already been heated up.
- Cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meat is done and the outside is caramelized.
- Take it off the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and then enjoy the delicious flavors.
You can make delicious pork belly dishes quickly with these tips, and you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Make sure to change the spices and seasonings to suit your own tastes, and get ready to wow your family and friends with your new pork belly cooking skills. Enjoy! Want to share your tips and tricks for cooking pork belly quickly? Join the discussion in the.
Quickest Ways to Cook Mouthwatering Pork Belly
Gone are the days when cooking pork belly required hours of slow roasting or simmering. With the right techniques, you can now achieve deliciously crispy and tender pork belly in no time. If you want to make a juicy pork belly dish quickly for a weeknight dinner or a get-together with friends, these tips will help. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the easiest ways to cook pork belly quickly.
So I cooked PORK BELLY IN A MICROWAVE OVEN…and this is what happened | Marion’s Test Kitchen
FAQ
Is it safe to cook pork in the microwave?
What are three ways that pork belly can be cooked?
Can you cook pork belly in a microwave?
If you have a combination microwave, you can cook on convention settings for 20 minutes. If you have a standard microwave, cover your pork in wrap and cook on low power for a few minutes at a time, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. Cooking pork belly in the microwave may seem like an unconventional method, but it’s actually quite simple.
Can you cook pork in a microwave?
Cook on low power: Pork should be microwaved at a medium to low setting, with larger cuts being cooked at a lower setting than smaller cuts to allow the heat to penetrate into the center of the cut without overcooking the outer layers. Avoid cooking on high settings as it can cause the meat to become tough.
Is microwaving pork belly healthy?
Unlike other cooking methods that may dry out the meat, microwaving allows the pork belly to retain its moisture and flavor. Thirdly, pork belly is a great source of nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iron, and copper. While it is high in calories and fat, it is also very low in sodium.
How do you microwave a pork tenderloin?
How do you microwave pork? When microwaving unequal pieces of fresh pork, arrange in dish or on rack so thick parts are toward the outside of dish and thin parts are in the center, and cook on medium-high (70%) or medium (50%) power. Place a roast in an oven cooking bag or in a covered pot.