What To Serve With Pork Belly? 15 Tasty Side Dishes - Corrie Cooks (2024)

Pork belly is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from slow-roasting to braising or grilling. But what to serve with it? A good side dish can complement and balance out the richness of the pork belly, and enhance the overall dining experience.

Depending on your personal preferences and the occasion, you can mix and match these sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. Enjoy!

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with pork belly are roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, fried rice, grilled or roasted corn on the cob, braised greens, crispy fried onions, creamy polenta, sweet potato fries, roasted beets, Asian-inspired slaw, braised red cabbage, grilled or roasted asparagus, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and cornbread.

Now. Let's get cooking!

1. Roasted Vegetables

You can use a variety of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. Cut them into similar-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Peel and boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For a fancier version, you can add roasted garlic, sour cream, or grated cheese.

3. Fried Rice

Cook rice according to package instructions, then stir-fry it with vegetables such as peas, carrots, onions, and garlic. Add scrambled eggs, cooked shrimp, or diced ham for extra protein and flavor.

4. Corn On The Cob

Brush corn with olive oil and grill it over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or roast it in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Serve with butter, salt, and herbs.

5. Braised Greens

Sauté chopped greens such as kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard with garlic and onion, then add chicken or vegetable broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

6. Crispy Fried Onions

Slice onions thinly, dust them with flour or cornstarch, and fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

7. Polenta

Bring water or broth to a boil, then whisk in polenta or cornmeal and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy. Add butter, cream, or cheese for extra richness and flavor.

8. Roasted Beets

Wrap whole beets in foil and roast them in the oven at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Let them cool, then peel and slice them. Toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

9. Asian-inspired slaw

Shred cabbage, carrots, and other crunchy vegetables, then toss them with a dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and ginger. Top with sliced scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds.

10. Sweet Potato Fries

Cut sweet potatoes into fries or wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, and spices such as smoked paprika or cumin, and bake them in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

11. Braised Red Cabbage

Slice red cabbage thinly, sauté it with diced apples, onions, and bacon, then add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices such as cloves or cinnamon. Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until tender and flavorful.

12. Roasted Asparagus

Snap off the woody ends of asparagus spears, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, or roast them in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.

13. Cornbread

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

14. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roast whole garlic bulbs in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and fragrant. Squeeze out the cloves and mix them into mashed potatoes, along with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

15. Sautéed Mushrooms

Slice mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, or oyster, and sauté them in butter or olive oil with garlic and thyme, until they release their liquid and turn golden brown. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan.

More Recipes

What To Serve With Spanakopita?

What To Serve With Boudin?

What To Serve With Fish Pie?