Molasses-Glazed Pork Belly with Spiced Rum Reduction

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

Tender pork belly slow-roasted and finished with a rich molasses and spiced rum glaze that balances sweetness and warming spice. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork belly (skin scored), dark spiced rum, blackstrap molasses for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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: 180 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Rub 2 lbs pork belly all over with 1.5 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Place on a roasting rack skin side up.
  2. Step 2: Roast pork belly for 2.5 hours until tender and fat has rendered, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup dark spiced rum, 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the rum mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly into a syrupy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the glaze generously over the pork belly and roast for an additional 15 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  6. Step 6: Let pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Molasses-Glazed Pork Belly with Spiced Rum Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Molasses-Glazed Pork Belly with Spiced Rum Reduction?

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 (skin scored) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Molasses-Glazed Pork Belly with Spiced Rum Reduction?

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 Molasses-Glazed Pork Belly with Spiced Rum Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Molasses-Glazed Pork Belly with Spiced Rum Reduction?

Caribbean pork 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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