Peking-style grilled pork belly is a dish that brings together the indulgent richness of pork belly with the iconic flavors of Peking cuisine, sweet, salty, aromatic, and deeply savory. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious but approachable, perfect for weekend gatherings or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
The magic begins with the marinade. Peking-style flavors are built around a balance of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice, sugar, garlic, and sometimes a splash of rice wine or sesame oil. This mixture infuses the pork belly with complexity, giving it that unmistakable sweet-and-savory glaze once grilled. The five spice is what sets this apart, with its notes of star anise, clove, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel, it adds a warm, fragrant depth to the meat.
Grilling the pork belly gives it a slight char and crispy edges, while the inside stays tender and juicy. The fat renders slowly, basting the meat in its own juices and intensifying the flavor. You don’t need a fancy setup, a basic grill, grill pan, or even an oven broiler will do the trick. The key is to cook it low and slow at first, then finish with higher heat to caramelize the surface.
What really elevates Peking-style grilled pork belly is how it’s served. Think thin slices wrapped in steamed pancakes or soft buns, paired with sliced cucumber, green onions, and a smear of hoisin or plum sauce. It’s a nod to the way Peking duck is enjoyed, every bite full of contrast and texture.
This dish is all about richness balanced by bold flavor and freshness. Whether served as part of a larger meal or as the centerpiece on its own, Peking-style grilled pork belly is a feast for the senses. It’s deeply satisfying, slightly indulgent, and proof that a few simple ingredients, treated with care, can deliver unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork belly skin-on and boneless
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions sliced, for garnish
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create the marinade.
- Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat the pork belly with the marinade, making sure to massage it into the scores and all sides of the meat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated pork belly on the grill, skin-side down, and grill for about 15-20 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the pork belly with more of the marinade for extra flavor.
- Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the Peking Style Grilled Pork Belly into bite-sized pieces, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Savor the authentic flavors of Peking cuisine with this succulent grilled pork belly!
Nutrition
I tried this, but the skin didn’t get crispy as I had hoped. I think my grill might not be hot enough. Anyone else have this problem?
Just crank the heat! Maybe your grill is like my old one, takes ages to warm up. Or could be your pork is too thick? 🤔
I had the same issue! I think the grill needs to be really hot to get that skin crunchy. Maybe try preheating it longer next time?
Pork belly is too fatty for my taste. Wouldn’t make again. But if you like fatty meats, go for it!
Too fatty? Nah! It’s all about that crispy skin! If you grill it right, it becomes so good, trust me!
I get what you mean about the fat! But I think the flavor is worth it. Have you ever tried it with a really good dipping sauce? It can really balance it out!
Try Korean BBQ pork belly instead, much better! Just saying! 😜
I mean, it was okay but a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less honey next time?
I get what you mean! Honey can be overpowering sometimes. Maybe try using a different sweetener or just reduce it. Definitely gonna keep that in mind for next time!
Why would you want to grill pork belly? It’s better slow-cooked or roasted, isn’t it?
Grilling gives it a nice char that slow-cooking can’t achieve! You should try it!
This recipe was so good! The pork belly turned out crispy and flavorful, my family loved it!
I dunno, the marinating time seems too short. Do you really think it got all the flavor?
I can’t believe how well this turned out! I’ve tried other recipes but this one is definitely a keeper!
Sounds good but using pork belly seems too fatty. I don’t know… Anyone try this with chicken?
Made this last night, and wow, it was delish! I never knew pork belly could taste like this. Gonna make it again soon!
This was a disaster for me! I burned it on the grill. Any other tips for beginners? 😭
Had trouble finding some of the sauces. Wondering if I can use barbecue sauce instead?
Yum! My family loved it. I garnished with some chili flakes for an extra zing! Perfect for summer BBQs. 🔥
Awesome! I love the idea of chili flakes! Gonna try that next time! 🔥
Not bad, but I think it needs more garlic. Following the recipe closely just did not cut it for me.
I dunno about this whole 5 spice thing. Isn’t 1 spice enuf?
Too much sauce. Personally, I like my meat more simple. Went with just soy and honey, tasted better to me. 🤷♂️
Nah, I think the sauce is what makes it good! Without it, just tastes like plain meat. 🤔
I get what you mean! Sometimes, simpler is better. Have you tried adding a little garlic to your soy and honey mix? Just a thought!
yummm my fumily loved it!! Will make again!
I grilled it for longer than 20 minutes and it still wasn’t crispy. What am I doing wrong?
This was amazing! The flavors are spot on. Will definitely make this again! 🔥
I tried this with chicken instead of pork and it was still good. Just sayin’.
The ingredients list looks fancy, but easy enough to make. Not sure if I nailed it, but I’ll eat anything grilled! 😂
I made this yesterday and my friends were blown away! The marinade is 🔥🔥. Definitely a keeper!
I followed the recipe but mine came out too greasy. Maybe less marinade next time?
Yummy! I added some chili flakes for a kick. Will definitely make again. 😋
Is there any substitute for the oyster sauce? I can’t find it in my area. Help!
What does ‘skin-on’ mean? Is that like extra skin on the meat? I used a regular pork chop and it didn’t work out at all. 🤔
This recipe is absolutely amazing! The flavors are spot on, and it felt like I was dining at a fancy restaurant. Definitely a 5-star! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nope, didn’t like it at all. Too much sauce in my opinion. Just ruined the whole thing!
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it out this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
You’re gonna love it! The flavors are out of this world. Enjoy your cooking!
Yum yum! This dish took me back to China! Delicious and easy to make. 🇨🇳
Garnish is just for show. Who needs green onions? Just give me the meat!
Just wow! This pork belly is mouth-watering. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
I totally agree! This sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
What kind of grill do u need? Can it be in the oven? Asking serious.
Looks delicious! But isn’t pork belly just too fatty for a healthy diet?
Yeah, pork belly is fatty, but it’s all about balance! You can enjoy it in moderation, right? Just make it a treat! 🙂
Pork belly, soy sauce, honey… Sounds like a weird dessert 😅. But I will try it.