Pan-Cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro-Lime Sauce

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

Velvety pork belly slices with a bright, zesty sauce made from fresh cilantro and lime, perfect for keto. This asian fusion-inspired keto (gluten-free) ready in about 26 minutes blends trimmed of excess fat pork belly, avocado oil, finely chopped fresh cilantro into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat pork belly dry and season with salt. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add pork belly and cook for 8 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp, flipping once.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, whisk cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and fish sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Once pork is done, transfer to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes. Pour the cilantro-lime sauce into the skillet and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Slice pork belly into 1/2-inch pieces and drizzle with the warm sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro-Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (10 min prep + 16 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro-Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro-Lime Sauce?

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 Pan-Cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro-Lime Sauce 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.

Is Pan-Cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro-Lime Sauce gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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