Well start this out with saying all pork belly is bacon, but not all bacon is pork belly. What’s the difference between bacon and pork belly? Can you use them both? What is bacon? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about bacon, pork belly, when and how to use them, and why they’re not the same thing.
Take a stroll through the meat section at your local grocery store and you’ll likely spot familiar cuts like pork chops, pork loin, and pork shoulder. But if you keep a keen eye out, you may also notice an oblong slab of meat labeled simply as “pork belly.”
This fatty. yet flavorful cut is actually the same one used to make bacon! But with no mention of bacon on the label what exactly is the pork belly cut called at the grocery store?
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances between pork belly and bacon, what to look for when buying pork belly, and how to cook up this versatile ingredient. Let’s start decoding pork belly’s identity crisis at the grocery store!
The Many Names of Pork Belly
Pork belly can go by several names at the grocery store which essentially all refer to the same fatty cut from the underside of the pig. Here are some common labels you may spot:
- Pork belly
- Fresh side pork
- Side meat
- Side pork
- Unsmoked bacon slab
- Slab bacon
The term “pork belly” is the most frequent accurate and straightforward name used. However, don’t let the other names trip you up – they all mean the same exact thing.
No matter what its labeled, uncooked pork belly is simply the boneless fatty section trimmed from the belly region of the pig. Easy enough!
How Pork Belly Differs from Bacon
While pork belly and bacon come from the same part of the pig, they have a few key differences:
Processing – Bacon is cured and smoked. Pork belly is sold fresh, unprocessed.
Shape – Pork belly is sold in a wide slab. Bacon is most often sold sliced.
Fat content – Pork belly has a higher overall fat ratio than bacon.
Flavor – Bacon has a smoky, salty flavor. Pork belly is fresh tasting with subtle porkiness.
Cooking methods – Bacon is commonly pan fried or baked. Pork belly shines when braised or roasted.
Keep these contrasts in mind when seeking out packages of pork belly versus bacon at the store. Checking the ingredients list can also help decipher if it’s cured and smoked.
Choosing the Best Pork Belly
Follow these tips for picking quality pork belly:
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Check the color – Good pork belly has pink to deep red lean meat with creamy to white fat.
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Select flexible cuts – Opt for belly slabs that are malleable versus stiff when raw.
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Get ample fat – Look for thick, prominent layers of fat marbled throughout.
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Inspect the skin – Avoid bellies with dry, discolored, or slimy skin.
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Consider skin-on or off – Personal preference whether to buy belly with the skin on or removed.
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Verify freshness – Make sure pork belly looks moist and feels slightly tacky, not slimy.
High-quality pork belly should have a good meat-to-fat ratio, avoiding extremes of either too fatty or too lean.
How to Prepare Pork Belly for Cooking
Prepping pork belly correctly before cooking is the key to succulent results:
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Dry out – Unwrap and dry pork belly overnight in the fridge if possible.
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Remove skin – If desired, use a sharp knife to remove the skin, leaving just a thin layer of fat.
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Score the skin – If leaving skin on, use a sharp knife to lightly score it in a crisscross pattern.
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Season – Rub both sides all over with salt, pepper and other spices.
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Chill again – For extra crispy skin, chill again after seasoning.
Proper drying, scoring, and seasoning delivers tender meat and crispy skin when roasted or pan fried.
Tantalizing Ways to Cook Pork Belly
When prepared well, pork belly is downright glorious. Try these tasty cooking methods:
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Braise – Brown then braise belly chunks in flavorful liquid until fork tender.
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Grill – Sear seasoned slabs over indirect heat, flipping occasionally until done.
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Roast – Slow roast seasoned pork belly at 300°F to melt fat and crisp skin.
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Fry – Pan fry small cubed pieces over high heat until browned and crispy.
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Sear – Brown fatty slices of skin-on belly in a hot pan until skin bubbles and crisps.
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Stew – Simmer bites of belly in stews and chilies until ultra soft.
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Sous vide – Cook vacuum sealed belly in a precision water bath for ultimate tenderness.
The possibilities are endless for transforming humble pork belly into sublime dishes.
Inspiring Pork Belly Recipes to Master
Here are some drool-worthy ways to put pork belly’s lusciousness to work:
- Braised pork belly tacos with mango salsa
- Garlic soy glazed pork belly
- Pork belly burnt ends
- Cracklin’ skillet pork belly
- Pork belly ramen with marinated eggs
- Korean bbq style grilled pork belly
- Crispy pork belly salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Pork belly strips with mustard pan sauce
- Slow cooker pork belly cassoulet
- Pork belly pot stickers with ponzu dipping sauce
With the right recipes, pork belly can be magical. Don’t be intimidated by this fatty cut next time you spot it at the grocery store.
While it may go by different aliases, pork belly is easy to identify with its signature fat-striped appearance. Understanding how it differs from smoked bacon helps clarify what to expect from this fresh, unprocessed cut.
High-quality pork belly boasts ample fat marbling throughout moist, reddish-pink meat. When properly prepped and cooked low and slow, pork belly transforms into sublime, mouthwatering fare.
So embrace pork belly for all its fatty glory! Add it to your cart on the next grocery run and get ready to be amazed by this cut’s succulent nature. Just look for the slab-shaped packages boldly labeled “pork belly.”
When to Use Pork Belly vs. Bacon
Despite being similar in many ways, pork belly and bacon are not interchangeable in most cases. We think that both are excellent in breakfast burritos with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheddar. Season with a little Bearded Butchers Blend Seasoning and youve got yourself a killer breakfast. The trick is that preparing pork belly isnt as simple or fast as bacon. Below, well give you some suggestions for the proper ways to use these tasty pork products.
Use Bacon If You’re:
Flavoring, seasoning, or adding a touch of salty, crunchy deliciousness. You can wrap many different kinds of food in bacon, like dates stuffed with blue cheese or jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese. Sometimes bacon is the main part of a meal, but in a classic BLT, it’s the best choice. You can dice bacon up and add it to sautéed spinach greens and onions. Almost any savory dish can benefit from the salty succulence bacon adds to your favorite meal.
How To Shop For Beef, Chicken, Pork, & Turkey At The Grocery Store
FAQ
What is pork belly called at the store?
What is pork belly called?
Do American grocery stores sell pork belly?
What cut of pork belly should I buy?
Where can I buy pork belly?
Finding pork belly is easier than you might’ve thought! It can be bought in a whole slab form your local butcher or grocery store or purchased pre-sliced in bacon and pancetta form. Or shop below from some of our favorite online meat purveyors. How do I cook pork belly? Pork belly performs quite well when cooked low and slow.
What is pork belly?
Pork belly is a fatty, boneless cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig. Here’s how to cook it, what it tastes like, and more.
Is pork belly boneless?
Pork belly comes from a pig, and is the underside belly of the animal. The full belly has a sheet of ribs running through half of it, before tailing off to become boneless. The belly is a very fatty cut of meat, but is wonderfully flavorsome as a result. It can be sold with the bones intact or boneless, as well as with the skin on, or skinless.
What is roast pork belly?
Roast pork belly. Pork belly is the uber-fatty and rich portion of meat cut from the belly of the pig. It’s uncured, and often sold in big slabs, making its preparations much different from sliced streaky bacon. Pork belly is as unctuous a cut of meat as you can get, and it’s popular in cuisines the world over.