This delectable slow-cooked pork roast is the perfect way to make a Sunday lunch special.

What you need to know before you start

You’ll need a sharp knife, a mortar and pestle or small food processor, a roasting pan and an oven. Set aside 30 minutes for the pork belly to marinate in the spice mixture before beginning the cooking process. The dish comes together in under 4 hours, including 3 hours where the pork can remain cooking uninterrupted in the oven. 

Why is this the best slow-cook pork belly recipe?

Create the perfect Sunday lunch centrepiece with this no-fuss recipe that will feed a family of six. Tender, juicy slow-cooked pork belly t is achieved thanks to a few clever temperature adjustments that allow the meat to become soft and moist 

Before roasting, the pork is marinated in a fragrant spice blend of garlic, cloves, caraway seeds, chilli flakes, thyme, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. This imparts a fresh, zingy and earthy aroma to the meat, elevating your standard pork belly recipe. 

Is it better to cook pork belly fast or slow?

There are generally two ways to prepare pork belly: low and slow, or fast and fried. For this recipe, the pork is cooked at a low temperature for more than 3 hours to allow the meat to become moist and tender, and the fat to render. Other recipes may call for pork belly to be sliced into bite-sized pieces and quickly deep-fried or air-fried. Your preference on which method is better will be based on the particular dish and your own tastes. 

What ingredients you’ll need 

Boneless pork belly (skin on): There’s no pork belly without the pork! A 2kg boneless pork belly piece with skin on will feed a family of six, with additional sides.  

Garlic: Garlic is used in the marinade mixture to add a rich aromatic depth as the pork roasts. 

Ground cloves: Cloves provide a warm, slightly sweet and earthy note that complements the richness of the meat.

Caraway seeds: Caraway seeds impart a mild, slightly peppery flavour to the marinade, with hints of anise. 

Dried chilli flakes: Chilli add a gentle heat and subtle smokiness without overpowering the dish. 

Thyme leaves: Thyme offers a fragrant, earthy herbal note.

Olive oil: Oil helps the pork to keep moist as it roasts.  

Lemon: Lemon juice brightens the dish with a zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork belly.

Onions: The pork is roasted on a bed of sliced onions, contributing to the sweetness and richness to balance the savoury pork.

Leafy salad (to serve): Pair the final dish with fresh salad leaves for greenery and bite. 

Mashed potato (to serve): Creamy mashed potato acts as a base to complement the slow-roasted pork and absorb any sauce. 

How do you crisp pork belly after slow cooking?

If you want a crispy skin, there are 3 main points to remember:

1) Keep the skin dry

2) Arrange the meat so the skin is level

3) Finish in a very hot oven

Place the pork belly, skin-side up and uncovered, in the fridge overnight to dry out. When rubbing with the marinade, make sure to only rub over the flesh and don't brush over the skin. For the skin, brush with a little vegetable oil and season with salt flakes. Arrange the meat so that the skin is level, using balls of foil to prop up the pork belly underneath if needed. Roast as per original recipe until cooked, then increase oven to 250°C/230°C fan-forced and roast for 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.

How to store leftover slow-cook pork belly

Store any leftover slow-cooked pork belly in the fridge. Sliced pork may begin to dry out over time, so it’s best to consume as soon as possible, or serve with some gravy. Place any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in the microwave or oven or on the stovetop, depending on how you plan to use it up. 

 What to serve with slow-cook pork belly

We recommend serving this slow-cooked pork belly sliced with fresh leafy greens and a side of mashed potatoes. Opt for a cider and pancetta gravy to pair with your main, or you can even get creative and sandwich the pork slices inside a slider or baguette. 

Drink pairings with slow-cook pork belly

The tender, juicy pork belly will pair beautifully with a drink that complements the rich savouriness of the meat. Choose a crisp and refreshing pilsner, an apple cider or slightly sweet riesling. 

If you love our slow-cook pork belly recipe, try this 

For more innovative ways with a pork belly, try these delicious recipes:

• Honey soy pork belly skewers
• Pork belly and chickpea tagine
• Northern Thai pork belly curry