Polynesian Glazed Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa

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

Slow-roasted pork belly glazed with a sweet and tangy Polynesian sauce, served with fresh pineapple salsa for brightness. This polynesian-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes blends skin scored pork belly, soy sauce, brown sugar 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 520 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Polynesian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 lbs scored pork belly in a roasting pan skin-side up and brush generously with the glaze. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Roast pork belly uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with remaining glaze until the meat is tender and the skin is caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serve topped with the fresh pineapple salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Polynesian Glazed Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Polynesian Glazed Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Polynesian Glazed Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Polynesian Glazed Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa 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 Polynesian Glazed Pork Belly with Pineapple Salsa?

Polynesian 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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