Pork belly (also known as bacon) is the part of the pig located in the abdomen, just below the tenderloin. This area is special because it possesses a perfect balance of meat and fat layers.
"Harmonious" texture: A standard piece of pork belly will have 3 to 5 distinct alternating layers: a thin layer of skin, followed by a moderately thick layer of fat, a layer of lean meat, another layer of fat, and finally the innermost layer of lean meat. This structure creates a tender, juicy, and rich flavor without being greasy like chunks of fat, and not dry and tough like completely lean meat.
"Rich and savory" flavor: When cooked, the fat in pork belly turns translucent, melts in your mouth, and has a rich, savory, and fragrant flavor. The tender lean meat absorbs the natural sweetness and aroma of the fat, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination of flavors.
"Perfect" moisture: Thanks to the layer of fat, pork belly always retains the necessary moisture during cooking, preventing it from drying out and keeping it tender and juicy.
Pork belly is an extremely versatile ingredient, the soul of many dishes, from simple to elaborate, in Vietnamese and international cuisine:
Brothed/Stewed Dishes: The most famous is Braised Pork Belly with Eggs (Thịt kho tàu), where the pork belly is braised until tender and has a beautiful golden brown color, unbeatable when eaten with white rice. Other dishes include Braised Pork Belly with Pepper and Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Mustard Greens.
Crispy Grilled/Fried Dishes: BBQ grilled pork belly, grilled pork belly with galangal and fermented rice paste, with its crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat inside, are always favorites at drinking parties or family gatherings. Roast pork belly with its crispy skin and evenly cooked meat is also a delicacy.
Refreshing boiled/rolled dishes: Simple yet sophisticated is boiled pork belly dipped in fermented fish sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce, served with vermicelli and fresh vegetables. Spring rolls with slices of rosy pork belly are also a great way to cool down.
Stir-fried/side dishes: Thinly sliced pork belly stir-fried with various vegetables (such as green beans, chayote, kimchi) adds richness and appeal to the dish. It is also an indispensable ingredient in the famous bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli).
