Pork belly, with its rich layers of fat and meat, is a cut that has soared in popularity, becoming a favorite for food enthusiasts and home cooks alike. From crispy roasted pork belly to succulent braised dishes and flavorful grilled skewers, the versatility of pork belly is undeniable. If you’re eager to explore the culinary possibilities of this delectable cut, the first step is knowing Where To Buy Pork Belly and how to select the best piece for your cooking needs.
Whether you’re planning to recreate the mouthwatering Pork Belly Shiso Yaki recipe inspired by Hong Kong’s Nan Tei restaurant, or you have other pork belly dishes in mind, this guide will walk you through the best places to source high-quality pork belly.
Close-up of raw pork belly with distinct layers of fat and lean meat
Understanding Pork Belly: What to Look For
Before diving into where to buy pork belly, it’s crucial to understand what makes a good piece of pork belly. This cut comes from the belly of the pig, located below the loin and ribs. Its defining characteristic is the beautiful layering of fat and lean meat, which renders down during cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful dishes.
When selecting pork belly, consider these factors:
- Fat-to-Meat Ratio: Look for a good balance between fat and lean meat. While fat is essential for flavor and rendering, you don’t want a piece that is entirely fat. Ideal pork belly will have distinct, even layers.
- Skin On or Off: Pork belly is available with or without the skin. For recipes where crispy skin is desired (like roasted pork belly), opt for skin-on. For recipes like braises or skewers where skin is less critical, skin-off works perfectly and might be more readily available. The Pork Belly Shiso Yaki recipe uses skinless pork belly.
- Freshness: Fresh pork belly should have a pinkish-red color and a firm texture. Avoid pork belly that looks pale, greyish, or feels slimy. There should be minimal odor.
Top Places to Buy Pork Belly
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore the best places to purchase pork belly:
1. Local Butchers: Your Best Bet for Quality and Expertise
Butcher shops are often the premier destination for high-quality cuts of meat, and pork belly is no exception.
- Pros:
- Quality: Butchers typically source their meat from reputable farms and prioritize quality.
- Expertise: Butchers can provide valuable advice on selecting the best pork belly for your specific recipe. They can also cut the pork belly to your desired thickness or specifications.
- Freshness: Butchers often receive fresh deliveries of meat more frequently than supermarkets.
- Variety: Some butcher shops may offer different types of pork belly, including heritage breeds or specific cuts.
- Cons:
- Price: Pork belly from a butcher might be slightly more expensive than supermarket options, but the quality often justifies the cost.
- Availability: Depending on your location, access to a good butcher shop might be limited.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher questions! They can guide you to the best pork belly and offer cooking tips.
Butcher slicing a large piece of pork belly at a butcher shop counter
2. Supermarkets: Convenient and Accessible
Supermarkets are a convenient and widely accessible option for buying pork belly.
- Pros:
- Convenience: Supermarkets are readily available in most areas.
- Accessibility: Pork belly is usually stocked in the meat section, making it easy to find.
- Price: Supermarket pork belly is generally more affordable than butcher shops.
- Cons:
- Quality: Quality can vary significantly between supermarkets and brands. Pork belly might be less consistently fresh or well-trimmed compared to butcher shops.
- Limited Expertise: Supermarket meat counter staff may not have the same level of expertise as butchers.
- Less Variety: Supermarkets typically offer standard cuts of pork belly with limited options.
Tip: Look for well-packaged pork belly with a clear label indicating freshness and cut date. Check the fat-to-lean ratio visually through the packaging.
3. Asian Markets: A Great Source for Specific Cuts and Frozen Options
Asian markets, particularly Japanese or Korean markets, are excellent places to find pork belly, especially if you are looking for specific cuts or pre-sliced options ideal for dishes like hot pot or BBQ.
- Pros:
- Variety of Cuts: You can often find thinly sliced pork belly, perfect for recipes like Pork Belly Shiso Yaki or Korean BBQ. They may also carry different thicknesses and preparations.
- Frozen Options: Asian markets frequently offer frozen pork belly, which can be a budget-friendly option and convenient for stocking up. For the Pork Belly Shiso Yaki recipe, using partially frozen pork belly for slicing is actually recommended!
- Price: Prices can be competitive, especially for frozen or pre-sliced options.
- Cons:
- Freshness of Thawed Pork Belly: If buying thawed pork belly from a frozen section, inquire about when it was thawed to ensure freshness.
- Labeling: Sometimes, labeling might be in a language other than English, so you may need to ask for assistance if you’re unsure about the cut.
Tip: If you plan to slice pork belly thinly for recipes like Pork Belly Shiso Yaki, purchasing pre-sliced pork belly from a Korean market can save you significant time and effort.
Packages of thinly sliced pork belly in a freezer section of an Asian grocery store
4. Online Meat Retailers: Convenience Delivered to Your Door
In today’s market, numerous online retailers specialize in delivering high-quality meats directly to your doorstep.
- Pros:
- Convenience: Shop for pork belly from the comfort of your home and have it delivered.
- Variety and Specialty: Online retailers often offer a wider selection of pork belly, including heritage breeds, organic options, and specific cuts that might be hard to find locally.
- Quality (Potentially): Many online retailers focus on sourcing high-quality, ethically raised meats.
- Cons:
- Shipping Costs: Shipping can add to the overall cost, especially for smaller orders.
- Not Seeing the Product First: You can’t visually inspect the pork belly before purchasing online. Rely on retailer descriptions and reviews.
- Delivery Time: You need to plan ahead as delivery takes time.
Tip: Research online retailers carefully, read reviews, and check their shipping policies before ordering. Look for retailers that emphasize quality and freshness.
Preparing Pork Belly for Pork Belly Shiso Yaki
Once you’ve sourced your pork belly, proper preparation is key, especially for Pork Belly Shiso Yaki. The recipe emphasizes slicing the pork belly very thinly while it’s partially frozen. This technique is crucial for achieving delicate, even slices that cook quickly and wrap beautifully around the shiso leaves.
Close-up of thinly sliced pork belly being rolled with shiso leaves
If you are slicing the pork belly yourself, follow these tips from the original recipe:
- Partially Freeze: Freeze the pork belly for at least 3 hours to firm it up. This makes slicing much easier.
- Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp knife, preferably a slicing knife or a chef’s knife.
- Thin Slices: Aim for slices that are no thicker than 1/16 inch (2mm). If this is challenging, consider asking your butcher to slice it for you or purchasing pre-sliced pork belly from an Asian market.
Enjoying Your Pork Belly Shiso Yaki and Beyond
Finding the right pork belly is the first step to creating delicious dishes. With a little knowledge of where to buy pork belly and what to look for, you can confidently source this versatile cut and explore its many culinary applications. Whether you’re making Pork Belly Shiso Yaki, crispy roasted pork belly, or any other recipe, starting with high-quality pork belly will make all the difference. Happy cooking!
