Pork belly and beer go in a slow cooker for 6 hours to make this irresistible delicacy

Pork belly is beloved by chefs and foodies alike for its versatility and ability to provide unctuous flavor with minimal effort. Simply put, bacon comes from the pig's underside (hence, pork belly), but we're not just talking bacon here. Pork belly can be served crispy or tender like the one in this recipe. If you've never cooked it before, don't worry, this recipe pretty much takes care of itself.

This braised pork belly recipe from forever4 requires only 10 minutes of preparation, and your slow cooker will do the rest of the work for you. Simply decide what you want to serve it with (noodles are a great choice) and take the day off. Let's get started!

Prep Time:  10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6

·        2 pounds pork belly, skin on, sliced in two equal portions to fit your slow cooker
·        Salt for seasoning 
·        24 ounces soy sauce, regular or low sodium
·        1/2 cup honey·        8 ounces sake
·        6 ounces (177 ml) beer, your choice
·        2-3 green onions, sliced in 2" pieces
·        2" piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
·        2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
Optional: kimchi, chili paste, minced garlic 

1. Begin by salting the pork belly thoroughly on both sides.

2. Add the soy sauce, honey, sake, beer, and chili paste (if you like) to the slow cooker. Stir together thoroughly.

3. Next, add the pork belly to the liquid. Roll it in the slow cooker to make sure that both sides are coated, but be sure to leave the skin side up while cooking.

4. Add the green onions, ginger, kimchi, and garlic (if using), and butter. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours. Tip: You can also add carrots and celery to the dish. Simply peel and chop into 2" pieces, so they cook evenly.

5. When done, slice and serve with the broth and vegetables in a bowl. Tip: If you prefer, you can briefly crisp the pork belly in the broiler before serving. 

Watch this recipe in action by checking out the video below. Enjoy!