If you’re struggling to think of what to serve with pork belly, why not try one of these delicious side dishes? I’ve compiled this list of my favorite fresh and tasty dishes that I love to serve with this tasty treat!
Pork belly is a popular dish in Asian cuisine. This cut is taken from the underside of the pig, so it’s full of fat—and flavor!
This meat is often fried or roasted to help caramelize the fat. The result is super tender meat with a thick layer of crispy crackling on top.
A simple side dish like roasted red potatoes or pasta gives the savory pork belly a chance to shine. Pork belly also lends itself well to sweet flavors like apple and corn.
Push the envelope of your culinary ability and serve pork belly with one of these unique side dishes tonight!
01. Mashed Potatoes
You won’t believe these mashed potatoes are made without cream!
Cream and butter aren’t the only ways to make your mashed potatoes decadent. Coconut milk and ghee, an Indian butter, provide so much richness in a healthier way.
The coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness, which is nice if you pair the potatoes with a savory main. Use a creamy potato like Yukon gold to get that perfectly smooth mash.
02. Crispy Noodle Salad
The perfect side dish for an Asian-inspired meal.
Crisp cabbage and juicy carrot give this salad crunch and freshness. A sweet and savory peanut dressing packs a punch and also doubles as a dipping sauce!
The secret ingredient in this coleslaw is the crispy fried noodles. You can find these at most grocery stores in the crouton aisle.
03. Chinese Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
Full of mouthwatering umami flavor!
This three ingredient recipe only requires sesame oil, garlic, and broccoli! As simple as it sounds, the oil and garlic are potent and season the broccoli perfectly.
Try this garlic broccoli over rice, or add tofu and make it into a stir fry. It’s a great quick recipe to have on hand when you’re craving those traditional Chinese food flavors!
04. Southern Fried Baked Beans
Simple comfort in a bowl.
Savory fried onions and smoked bacon give this dish a depth of flavor that’s unmatched. Brown sugar and chili help infuse the dish with a sweet and spicy southern flair.
You can skip a few steps by using canned beans instead of dry beans. The beans will already be tender, so it’s easier for them to absorb the sauce.
05. Apple and Fennel Salad
Freshen up the palette with this crisp salad!
Fennel is an underrated vegetable that has a subtly sweet flavor like licorice. It helps enhance other flavors, like the green apple in this recipe!
Toasted walnuts provide warmth and crunch to this cold salad. Add just a hint of parmesan before serving for that perfect balance of cheesiness and salt.
06. Roast Red Potatoes
A slightly different take on your typical roasted potatoes!
Red potatoes hold their shape and texture, but still get crispy and crackly in the oven. Thyme, cayenne powder, and garlic infuse them with plenty of flavors while they roast to perfection.
These firm potatoes are a prime candidate for a dip. I like to use a creamy dip like tzatziki or garlic ranch.
07. Yangzhou Fried Rice
Rich, filling, and comes together instantly!
Yangzhou fried rice is made with egg, ham, and traditional Chinese ingredients like bamboo shoots and soy sauce. It’s what’s served at most Chinese restaurants, so it’s a family favorite!
Frying ensures that each grain of rice is infused with flavor from the oil and the eggs. I like to throw in other vegetables like mushrooms and peas to give the dish even more texture and nutrition.
08. Pasta Salad
Great for picnics and barbecues!
A creamy dish like macaroni salad perfectly complements a fatty pork belly dish. This cold salad is made with a tangy mayonnaise and mustard dressing with pieces of dill pickle mixed in.
The dill pickle and celery pieces help give the salad crunch and keep it from being one note in texture. There’s always a debate on whether or not to include eggs, but I love the extra protein and flavor!
09. Hushpuppies (Fried Cornbread Balls)
This poppable appetizer is perfect for kids!
This deep-fried side is perfectly crispy, salty, and just a bit sweet from the cornmeal. The addition of chopped sweet onion gives the hushpuppies richness and even more moisture!
Serve these hushpuppies with sweet ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping.
10. Roasted Pumpkin
Pumpkins aren’t just for pie!
This underused winter squash comes alive with a little help from the oven. A drizzle of maple syrup helps crisp up the edges and bring out those robust earthy flavors.
You can even add roasted pumpkin seeds as a crunchy topping! This recipe uses Japanese pumpkin, but it would work well with any squash.
11. Baked Sweet Potatoes
A healthier alternative to your typical baked potato.
Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and nutrients like vitamin C, so they’re tasty and healthy! They have a sweet earthy flavor which you can enhance with just a little butter and brown sugar.
Make a southwestern inspired baked potato with toppings like black beans and cheese. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of spicy cayenne pepper to tie all the ingredients together.
12. Corn Casserole
You’ll never buy canned cream corn again!
This cheesy recipe combines frozen corn with cream cheese and milk. Together they melt down into a gooey, creamy mixture that resembles cream corn, but is so much tastier!
Add in some diced pickled jalapeños to get that vinegary pop for contrast.
13. Corn Pudding
Not quite bread, but not quite creamed corn!
This unique dish is a southern classic and a mainstay at barbecues and tailgates. The sweet corn compliments the sweet and smoky sauces typically used at southern cookouts.
The combination of egg, milk, and cornstarch gives this dish its signature creaminess. Since it’s prepared in a casserole dish, it is the perfect side for large gatherings!
14. Mac and Cheese
The most indulgent cheesy mac and cheese ever!
Monterey Jack, cheddar, and parmesan make this mac and cheese super decadent. The unique cheese sauce is flavored with spices like paprika, cayenne, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning.
With all that creaminess, there needs to be some texture variation. I like to top my mac and cheese with panko so when it bakes, the top gets golden and crisp!
15. Cornbread
Just five ingredients go into this homemade cornbread!
There’s no cornmeal here because this cornbread recipe is made from scratch! Canned corn and Bisquick combine to create the batter and give this cornbread a smooth texture.
Always use a skillet for cornbread, to get that famous crunchy bottom. You can even sprinkle a little sugar on the bottom for extra texture and a pop of sweetness.
16. Brussel Sprouts
These aren’t your childhood brussel sprouts!
Crispy, smokey, and savory are just some of the ways to describe these mouthwatering brussel sprouts. Balsamic vinegar helps bring out the natural sugars so the edges caramelize and crisp up nicely in the oven.
If you want even more crispness, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. I also like to add bacon to balance the sweetness and give the dish some fat.
What to Serve with Pork Belly: 16 Savory Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Noodle Salad
- Chinese Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
- Southern Fried Baked Beans
- Apple and Fennel Salad
- Roast Red Potatoes
- Yangzhou Fried Rice
- Pasta Salad
- Hushpuppies (Fried Cornbread Balls)
- Roasted Pumpkin
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Corn Casserole
- Corn Pudding
- Mac and Cheese
- Cornbread
- Brussel Sprouts
Directions
- Choose one of these delicious pork belly side dishes.
- Shop for your ingredients at the grocery store.
- Prepare a crispy pork belly recipe and your delicious side dish.
- Treat your family and guests to a meal they won’t forget!
