Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat that works well with a variety of sauces. Pair it with sweet and sticky Asian chili sauce, creamy smoked gouda, and tangy hoisin sauce. Here are 9 sauces that go well with pork belly, from Asian to Latin American.
Asian Chili Sauce
Asian chili sauces are sweet and tangy with a kick of spice. They often contain soy sauce, sugar, and molasses. They are at their best when paired with smoked Asian meats like BBQ pork and ribs, but they will also work with most pork belly recipes.
Smoked Gouda
Smoked gouda is a crumbly, aged cheese often used to make fondue. It is particularly good paired with rich meat sauces. Pair it with browned sausage or meatloaf, but also use it on top of roasted veggies. Smoked gouda also works well with pulled pork sandwiches.
Tangy Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is typically sweet and sticky, but the variation with hoisin is spicier. If you’re craving Chinese food or Korean, reach for a darker hoisin sauce. You can also use plain hoisin for a unique Thai-inspired sauce.
Cilantro Pesto
Pesto is traditionally an Italian sauce made from pesto, but many also make it from cilantro and olive oil. Cilantro makes a refreshing pesto sauce, while the olive oil keeps it from tasting too herbal. Try it with smoked meats and meats that would work well in a sandwich, like pulled pork or bologna.
Latin American Mole Sauce
Mole sauces tend to be less sweet than Asian sauces, with a darker, earthy flavor. Use it with Spanish, Mexican, or Latin American meats like barbacoa, pulled pork, or chicken.
Aromatic Braised Meat
Aromatic meats are typically Asian meats that have been infused with herbs, spices, or other seasonings. They include such meats as duck, chicken, and beef. You can make a double batch of aromatic meat and keep it in the freezer to make quick meals later in the week.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce
For a sweet and spicy sauce, try this sauce that’s similar to sweet and sour sauce. If you want something spicier, try this chili sauce with a bit more heat.
Ginger Soy Glaze
Made from soy and ginger, this glaze is a great Asian sauce to add to Chinese meals. You can also use it on pork, shrimp, and tofu. Pour it over dumplings, or use it on noodle bowls.
Fruity Barbecue Glaze
For an alternative barbecue sauce, try this fruit-infused sauce that’s a little less sweet than many barbecue sauces. A sweet glaze is great on ribs, but you can also spice it up by using a spicier meat like pulled pork.
Conclusion
Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat that works well with a variety of sauces. Pair it with sweet and sticky Asian chili sauce, creamy smoked gouda, and tangy hoisin sauce. These are the 9 sauces that go well with pork belly, from Asian to Latin American.