Are you looking to add some variety to your weekly meal routine? Look no further than Trader Joe’s pork belly.
This fully cooked piece of meat is tender, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes. While it may seem intimidating at first, with a few simple steps, you can easily prepare this delicious cut of meat.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways to cook and serve Trader Joe’s pork belly, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure it comes out perfectly every time.
So grab a paper towel and let’s get started!
How To Cook Trader Joe’s Pork Belly?
Before cooking Trader Joe’s pork belly, it’s important to note that it should be taken out of the refrigerator for about half an hour before preparation to bring it closer to room temperature. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t become tough.
To cook the pork belly, start by drying it with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure a nice sear when browning it in a pan.
Next, heat a large non-stick skillet on high heat and add the pork belly slices. Sear both sides until they are slightly browned. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
If you want to add some flavor, you can also add your favorite seasonings or sauces to the pan while cooking. Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce is a popular choice and pairs well with the pork belly.
Once the pork belly is browned, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What Is Trader Joe’s Pork Belly?
Trader Joe’s Pork Belly is a fully cooked piece of meat that is made from a combination of incredibly tasty and tender meat and fat. This product is extremely versatile and can be used to make a variety of dishes such as ramen, sliders, or even grilled cheese sandwiches. It is important to note that pork belly is always going to be an extremely fatty cut of pork, so if you don’t like fat, this may not be the product for you.
Trader Joe’s Pork Belly is a hybrid between bacon and perfectly cooked tenderloin. It has a subtle seasoning and nothing overpowering other than a nice pork flavor. Although there is a substantial amount of fat, it’s easy to trim away if you want to cut back. However, this is the nature of this cut of meat.
At $6.49, it’s not something you’ll be buying on a weekly basis, but it’s a nice break from the usual chicken, beef, pork chop routine. The box in the refrigerated aisle provides all the nutritional information you need along with instructions on how to prepare it. Overall, Trader Joe’s Pork Belly is a delicious and easy way to elevate your meals and add some variety to your cooking routine.
How To Prepare Trader Joe’s Pork Belly For Cooking
To prepare Trader Joe’s pork belly for cooking, start by taking it out of the package and rinsing it off. Then, pat it dry with paper towels until the surface is as dry as possible. This will help you achieve a proper sear when cooking.
Next, decide how you want to cook the pork belly. You can brown it up as a whole piece, in slices, or as cubes/diced. Slicing the pork belly into quarter-inch thick pieces is a popular choice, as it resembles ultra-thick cut bacon.
Once you’ve decided how to cut the pork belly, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the slices. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them around in the pan. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy.
Alternatively, you can lay the slices on a rack over a pan in your toaster oven and heat at 400 degrees until the edges are golden brown.
Before cooking the pork belly, it’s important to note that it should be taken out of the refrigerator for about half an hour before preparation to bring it closer to room temperature. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t become tough.
Oven-Baked Trader Joe’s Pork Belly Recipe
If you prefer oven-baking your pork belly, here’s a simple recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
– 1 box of Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Pork Belly
– BBQ sauce (or any sauce of your choice)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Remove the pork belly from the packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel.
3. Cut the pork belly into bite-sized chunks and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the pork belly chunks with BBQ sauce (or any sauce of your choice).
5. Bake the pork belly in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and caramelized.
6. Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This oven-baked pork belly recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as an appetizer, snack, or as a main dish with some sides. Feel free to experiment with different sauces and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Pan-Fried Trader Joe’s Pork Belly Recipe
For those looking to try a new recipe with their Trader Joe’s pork belly, a Korean-style pan-fried pork belly is a delicious and easy option.
To start, cut the pork belly into thin slices and marinate it with minced garlic, ginger, Korean hot pepper paste, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
Next, heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat and add the marinated pork belly slices. Pan-fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through.
Once the pork belly is cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This dish pairs well with pickled carrots or daikon, which can be made by adding rice vinegar, water, sugar, and coarse sea salt to shredded carrots or daikon and refrigerating for a few minutes.
For those who prefer a different flavor profile, another option is to pan-fry the pork belly with soy sauce and serve it on a baguette with mayonnaise, sliced cucumbers, jalapeños, and cilantro. This recipe is easy to customize to your taste preferences and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a larger meal.
Grilled Trader Joe’s Pork Belly Recipe
If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can also grill Trader Joe’s pork belly. To do this, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating up, prepare the pork belly by patting it dry with a paper towel and seasoning it with your favorite spices. You can use a dry rub or a marinade to add flavor to the meat.
Once the grill is hot, place the pork belly slices on the grates and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Make sure to keep an eye on the meat and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
When the pork belly is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Grilled Trader Joe’s pork belly pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions For Trader Joe’s Pork Belly
Trader Joe’s pork belly is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
1. Ramen: Add sliced pork belly to a bowl of homemade ramen for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
2. Tacos: Shred the pork belly and use it as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, onion, and lime.
3. Sliders: Put sliced pork belly on a soft bun with your favorite toppings for a delicious slider.
4. Stir Fry: Add diced pork belly to a stir fry for a savory and satisfying meal.
5. BLT Sandwich: Use sliced pork belly instead of bacon in a classic BLT sandwich for a unique twist on the classic dish.
6. Salad Topping: Dice the pork belly and use it as a salad topping for an added crunch and flavor.
7. Nachos: Use diced pork belly as a topping for nachos, along with cheese, beans, and other toppings of your choice.
The possibilities are endless with Trader Joe’s pork belly. Just be sure to cook it properly and let it rest before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
