Authentic Bourbon-Infused Glazed Pork Belly

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Southern-inspired dish with smoky bourbon glaze that caramelizes perfectly over slow-cooked pork belly. This American Southern-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 80 minutes, pairs pork belly, bourbon whiskey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim 1.5 lb pork belly to 1/2-inch thick slices. Pat dry with paper towels, then score the fat side in a crosshatch pattern 1/4 inch deep.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Place pork belly in a shallow baking dish, fat-side up. Brush with 2 tbsp bourbon glaze, then roast at 375°F for 45 minutes until edges are crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Brush with remaining glaze, then roast 15 more minutes until deep mahogany and caramelized. Rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil and serve with steamed rice or roasted root vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Bourbon-Infused Glazed Pork Belly take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Bourbon-Infused Glazed Pork Belly?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Bourbon-Infused Glazed Pork Belly?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Bourbon-Infused Glazed Pork Belly for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Bourbon-Infused Glazed Pork Belly?

American Southern beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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