When the long weekend rolls around and folks start gathering in the yard, it is mighty handy to have a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting in the kitchen. This 4-ingredient pork belly recipe turns a humble pack of raw pork belly cubes into a rich, tender supper with hardly any fuss at all. It has that old-fashioned potluck spirit to it, where simple pantry staples come together and somehow taste like a special occasion, making it just the sort of dish you set out on Labor Day when everybody is hungry and nobody wants to stand over the stove.
This pork belly is especially good served over fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even tucked into soft sandwich rolls to catch every bit of the sticky sauce. A side of coleslaw, green beans, skillet corn, or a plate of sliced garden tomatoes helps balance the richness, and if you are feeding a crowd, a big bowl of baked beans or potato salad fits right in with the holiday table.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Magic
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds raw pork belly cubes
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert if you like easier cleanup, then spread the raw pork belly cubes in an even layer in the bottom.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork belly cubes and gently stir to coat the pieces as evenly as you can.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the pork belly is very tender and richly glazed.
5. Skim off excess fat if needed, then serve the pork belly hot with rice, potatoes, or buns and plenty of sauce spooned over the top.
Variations & Tips
Make it smoky: Use a smoky-style barbecue sauce for deeper cookout flavor, especially nice for a Labor Day meal when you want that backyard taste without firing up the grill.
Keep an eye on the salt: Since soy sauce and barbecue sauce can both vary quite a bit, taste the sauce mixture before it goes in if you are familiar with your brands, and serve the finished pork over plain rice or potatoes to mellow the richness.
Add a little heat: If your family likes a gentle kick, stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients.
For a thicker sauce: If you want the glaze a bit stickier at the end, transfer the cooked sauce to a saucepan and simmer it for a few minutes before pouring it back over the pork.
Best way to serve a crowd: Set the pork belly out in the slow cooker on warm and let folks spoon it over slider buns, rice, or mashed potatoes so everybody can make a plate just the way they like it.