Heart-Healthy Braised Pork Belly

Fall in love with indulgence reinvented with this **Heart-Healthy Braised Pork Belly** recipe, a lighter take on a classic comfort food favorite. Featuring tender, slow-braised pork belly in a rich yet wholesome broth infused with low-sodium chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce, this dish delivers bold flavors without the guilt. Aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, thyme, and a hint of black pepper elevate the savory complexity, while a quick sear ensures crispy edges before the pork is gently cooked to buttery perfection. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is finished with vibrant green onions and a carefully skimmed braising liquid, keeping it as heart-conscious as it is delicious. Ready in under 2.5 hours and serving four, this dish is both satisfying and mindful, making it an ideal addition to your collection of healthy comfort food staples.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 green onions

Directions

Step 1

Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and score the skin at 1-inch intervals. This helps the fat render during cooking.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the pork belly, skin side down, and sear until brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Turn and brown on the other sides.

Step 4

Remove the pork belly from the pot and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and finely sliced ginger to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and low-sodium soy sauce. Stir well to combine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.

Step 7

Return the pork belly to the pot, along with thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and black pepper. The liquid should come about halfway up the pork.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and braise the pork belly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until very tender.

Step 9

Once cooked, transfer the pork belly to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 10

Meanwhile, strain the braising liquid to remove the herbs and skim any excess fat from the surface for a healthier option.

Step 11

Slice the rested pork belly and serve drizzled with the braising liquid. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1069.3 grams (1069.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2593

Total Fat 255.70g	328%
Saturated Fat 89.60g	448%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 327mg	109%
Sodium 1490mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate 19.70g	7%
Dietary Fiber 2.30g	8%
Total Sugars 7.80g
Protein 52.40g	105%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 110mg	8%
Iron 5mg	25%
Potassium 858mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 88.9%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 3.0%