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
