Pork Belly

Pork belly is a boneless cut of fatty meat from the underside of a pig, prized for its rich layers of fat and meat. It's a staple in many cuisines worldwide, from Chinese crispy roast pork belly (Siu Yuk) and Korean samgyeopsal to Italian pancetta and Mexican tacos al pastor. The cut is typically slow-roasted, braised, or pan-fried to render the fat and achieve a tender, flavorful result.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Pork belly is very high in fat and protein, with negligible carbohydrates. A typical serving provides a significant amount of calories, along with key nutrients like B vitamins (especially B1, B6, and B12), selenium, and zinc, but is also high in saturated fat and sodium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	430 kcal
Protein	13 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	43 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	320 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B12	0.5 mcg
Niacin (B3)	3.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Selenium	18 mcg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Potassium	200 mg

Per 1 serving (85 g, about 3 oz, cooked) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, pork belly is a celebratory food in many Asian cuisines, often served during festivals and holidays. Nutritionally, while calorie-dense, it's a complete protein source and provides essential micronutrients, making it a valuable component of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.