As a busy home cook, I’m always on the lookout for cuts of meat that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Recently I discovered Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices, which have quickly become one of my go-to choices for quick weeknight meals.
Pork belly is an exceptionally flavorful cut thanks to its marbling of fat and meat. However cooking a whole slab of pork belly can be time consuming and messy. That’s where Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices come in! These thin, uniformly sliced pieces of boneless pork belly make cooking this tasty meat simple and approachable.
In this article I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices perfectly every time. We’ll cover choosing the best slices pan frying, air frying, grilling, seasoning recommendations, and more. Let’s get cooking!
Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices are available pre-sliced at Coles supermarkets in Australia. The slices are cut from whole slabs of skinless boneless pork belly approximately 1⁄4 inch thick
These thin slices of pork belly have just the right balance of meat and fat. When cooked properly, they become melt-in-your-mouth tender with crispy edges and rich, porky flavor from the marbling.
Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices are remarkably versatile. Their thinness makes them perfect for quick cooking methods like pan frying, grilling, or air frying. The slices also absorb flavors beautifully, so they pair well with various seasonings and sauces. Let’s look at how to choose the best slices.
Choosing Your Slices
When selecting your Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:
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Thickness – Look for uniform slices around 1⁄4 inch thick. Thinner slices may overcook, while thicker ones may not crisp up enough.
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Fat to meat ratio – Ideal slices have slightly more meat than fat. Too much fat can lead to greasy results.
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Shape – Opt for neatly trimmed rectangular slices. Jagged or oddly shaped slices may cook unevenly.
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Color – Pick slices with some visible marbling but avoid ones with large white fat deposits.
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Pre-sliced vs. whole – For air frying uniformity is key, so pre-sliced is best. Pan or grill cooking can work with either.
Keeping these tips in mind will ensure you select the best pork belly slices for the cooking method you have in mind. Now let’s get to the good stuff – how to cook them!
Pan-Frying for Crispy, Juicy Slices
Pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices to crispy, fatty perfection. Here’s a simple pan-fry method:
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Generously season both sides of the slices with salt and pepper.
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Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. No need to add oil – the pork will release its own fat.
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Once hot, add the slices in a single layer, without crowding the pan.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden. Flip carefully with tongs or a spatula.
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Check temperature using a meat thermometer if needed. Pork should reach 145°F.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
I love to pan-fry pork belly slices and make tacos or rice bowls topped with the crispy pork. It’s a perfect quick weeknight meal.
Air Frying for Crunch Without the Mess
Air frying is an excellent way to cook Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices if you’re looking to avoid some of the splatter and mess that can come with pan frying. Here are the basics:
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Cut the pork belly slices into uniform 1-inch pieces. Season all over with salt and pepper.
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping.
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Air fry at 400°F for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The outside will be crispy while the inside stays juicy.
Air frying yields pork belly slices with cripsiness comparable to deep frying but in a healthier way with minimal oil. It’s great for appetizers!
Grilling for Smoky, Charred Goodness
Cooking Coles Thin Pork Belly slices on the grill is a tasty way to add smoky, charred flavor. Follow this process:
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Choose slightly thicker slices, around 1/2 inch.
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Rub the slices all over with your favorite dry rub or marinade.
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Let them sit 30 minutes up to overnight.
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Grill over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
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In the last few minutes, brush with your favorite barbecue sauce.
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Let rest 5 minutes then serve.
Grilling coaxes out incredible depth of flavor from the pork fat and gives the slices a nice char. I love using leftovers for pork belly sandwiches the next day!
Seasoning and Flavoring Your Pork Belly
When it comes to seasoning Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices, you have ample room for creativity. Here are some of my favorite ways to add flavor:
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Dry rubs – Smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
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Marinades – Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
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Spice blends – Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, BBQ dry rub
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Sauces and glazes – Gochujang, hoisin, plum sauce, teriyaki
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Herbs and aromatics – Fresh cilantro, green onion, lime juice
Get creative mixing and matching rubs, marinades, and sauces to put your own spin on the pork. The slices soak up flavor beautifully.
Answering Common Questions
If you’re new to cooking Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequent queries:
How long do they keep?
- Store sealed in the fridge for 2-3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
What’s the best cooking method?
- All methods work well. Pan fry for crispy outside, grill for char, or air fry for crunch.
Should I buy pre-sliced or slice my own?
- Pre-sliced allows for uniform cooking. DIY slicing works too.
What’s the minimum internal temperature?
- Cook to at least 145°F, letting rest after.
Can I use a broiler or oven?
- Yes, just watch closely to avoid burning.
Satisfying and Simple Pork Belly
As you can see, Coles Thin Pork Belly Slices offer a world of flavor in an easy-to-cook cut of meat. Thanks to their thin uniform sizing, they lend themselves to quick cooking methods for meals that are satisfying yet simple to prepare on busy nights.
