Pork Belly Watermelon Salad

delicious pork belly watermelon salad
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Our protagonist is Pork Belly Watermelon Salad, a dish that defies convention and embraces audacious flavors. Picture this: crispy pork belly, its salty, savory notes dancing on your tongue, meets the refreshing sweetness of juicy watermelon. This recipe can be recreated during the Halloween season because of the spooky feeling it gives.

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This recipe is complete but also I couldn’t stop thinking about those connoisseurs who prefer other types of meat to eating pork. The preparation process is simple and easy to follow. I promise you won’t have to break your waist!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Striking the right balance of flavors in your Pork Belly Watermelon Salad largely depends on your choice of ingredients. To commence your salad-making, your shopping list should look like this:

  • 1 kg of fresh pork belly cut into reasonable sizes
  • A few pieces of watermelon, ideally seedless and cut into cubes
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin Olive Oil for dressing
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Sesame oil for marination
  • Some spring onions for garnishing
  • Honey for balancing out the tanginess

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork Belly

Picking the perfect pork for your Pork Belly Watermelon Salad all comes down to the quality, freshness, and the right cut. Aim for a piece that’s lean but with a generous streak of fat that sizzles and crisps beautifully.

For our salad, we need a nice, robust piece of belly that’ll hold its own against the sweet, juicy watermelon.

Decoding delicacies like pork belly can be tricky, but here’s a quick guide. 

A high-quality pork belly should have firm, pale pink flesh and a layer of snow-white fat. You’ll know it’s the good stuff when the fat easily gives way under gentle pressure.

Selecting the Perfect Watermelon

Choosing the right watermelon can make or break your pork belly salad. Look for uniform shape and consistent coloring. A creamy patch where it sat on the ground is a good sign; it means it ripened in the sun until ready!

Give it a tap! Sound is a key indicator of ripeness. A juicy one will have a deep, hollow sound. Too high-pitched? It’s under-ripe. Too low? It’s overripe. Choose wisely!

How to Prepare Pork Belly Watermelon Salad

The process is simple, yet the payoff is immensely gratifying:

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Belly

Unearthing the secrets of succulent pork belly preparation for your salad begins with selecting quality meat. Quality always translates into more flavorsome dishes, and this pork belly watermelon salad isn’t an exception. 

Preparing the pork belly is pretty straightforward. It starts with carefully slicing your pork belly into bite-sized pieces to match the watermelon size in your salad.

  1. Choose quality, skin-on pork belly
  2. Slice pork belly into bite-sized pieces
  3. Score the meat’s skin side in a diamond pattern
  4. Sprinkle a little bit of coarse sea salt on the scored side
  5. Leave the pork belly to brine in the refrigerator for an hour

Step 2: Marinating the Pork Belly

Marinating the pork belly in a bath of robust flavors not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with an indulgent, mouth-watering taste that forms the heart of your pork belly watermelon salad. Ensure you spend at least a couple of hours or even leave it overnight for this flavor enhancement process.

Step 3: Grilling or Roasting the Pork Belly

Here, heat and taste intertwine in an intimate tango that can make or break your salad.

pork belly being grilled and roasted in the oven
  • The decision between grilling and roasting primarily lies in personal preference. However, consider that grilling imparts a robust smoky flavor and char to the pork belly, while roasting harbors a more subtle, mild flavor.
  • When grilling the pork belly, ensure your grill is heated to medium and cook each side until it has a nice and crispy exterior. This will take around 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • For oven roasting, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pork belly on a baking sheet and let it roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, until beautifully golden.
  • Regardless of the method chosen, remember that maintaining a steady, medium heat is crucial for rendering down the fat in the pork belly.
  • Last but not least, allowing the pork belly to rest before slicing it will seal in the juices and flavors.

Step 4: Preparing the Watermelon

Watermelon holds a center stage in our pork belly watermelon salad. Preparing it right is one exquisite task every foodie should master. 

  1. Choose a ripe watermelon: Look for a uniform shape, a flat, creamy spot where it sat on the ground, and a deep hollow sound when tapped.
  2. On a cutting board, slice off the top and bottom of the watermelon. This will create stability while cutting.
  3. Slice down the sides to remove the rind, following the shape of the watermelon.
  4. Once the rind is off, you can cut the watermelon into cubes or use a melon baller for bite-sized balls.
  5. Make sure to remove any seeds as you go. They can interfere with the texture and presentation of your salad.
  6. After preparing, store the watermelon in the fridge to make it cold and extra refreshing before mixing with the pork belly.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Layer the salad starting with fresh green lettuce. Then, add a welcoming layer of juicy watermelon chunks. The star attraction, crispy pork belly, takes the center stage.

Now’s the fun part! Play with flavors by adding a mix of herbs like coriander, mint, and basil.

A squeeze of lime could elevate the refreshing taste, blending well with the pork and watermelon.

Mixing cultures in a salad? Definitely! A generous sprinkle of feta cheese for a Greek twist or some spicy Thai chili for an Asian kick. 

readily served pork belly watermelon salad

Tips for a Delicious Pork Belly Watermelon Salad

Salad-making Secrets: Every good pork belly watermelon salad needs a little finesse. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of rice wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime to your pork marinade. 

It’s all about presentation! Slice your grilled pork belly and watermelon in similar sizes, then neatly arrange them on your plate for a visually striking salad. Lastly, sprinkle some mint leaves or crushed peanuts on top for that perfect finishing touch!

Some salads you don’t want to miss:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Meats Instead of Pork Belly?

Go for meats like chicken or turkey breast that hold up well against the sweetness of the watermelon. Grilled shrimp or fish would add a coastal twist.
Those with dietary restrictions or preferences may consider vegetarian or vegan proteins. Tofu and tempeh can serve as wonderful substitutes. 

Can I Substitute Watermelon with Another Fruit?

Swapping fruits in your pork belly watermelon salad can give you a whole new taste. Experimenting with other melons, like cantaloupe or honeydew, can offer similar refreshing tastes and textures.

Pineapple is another fantastic option for a sweet-tart component in your pork belly salad. It pairs excellently with pork while adding a tropical twist.
For those who prefer a less sweet alternative, cucumber is a refreshing, hydrating swap that also retains the crunchy texture of watermelon.

Is Pork Belly Watermelon Salad Healthy?

A quick look at the nutritional side of the pork belly watermelon salad brings out its considerable health benefits. With pork belly providing a hefty dose of protein and watermelon a cocktail of vitamins, it’s a plateful of goodness.

Reality is, pork belly isn’t just about the fat; it’s also packed with protein, vitamins, and trace minerals. Combine this with watermelon’s high water content and ample vitamins A and C, and you’ve got a salad that’s a nutritional powerhouse.

delicious pork belly watermelon salad

Pork Belly Watermelon Salad

Chef Amelia
This unexpected yet delightful salad showcases the contrasting textures and flavors of crispy pork belly, refreshing watermelon, and a vibrant dressing. It's a salad that will have everyone talking and asking for the recipe!
4 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 6 people
Calories 456 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pork belly:

  • 1 pound pork belly skin on
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the watermelon salad:

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds optional

Instructions
 

Preparation of Pok Belly:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and score the skin with a sharp knife, making ½-inch deep cuts in a crosshatch pattern.
  • Season the pork belly generously with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasonings into the skin and meat.
  • Place the pork belly, skin side up, on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Roast the pork belly for 45 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork belly is tender and the skin is crispy.
  • Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Preparation of Watermelon Salad:

  • While the pork belly is roasting, prepare the watermelon salad. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, red onion
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assembly and Serving:

  • Divide the watermelon salad among serving plates.
    Top each salad with sliced pork belly.
    Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing combination of flavors and textures.
Keyword pork belly, pork belly watermelon salad, pork recipes, watermelon salads
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Chef Amelia
Chef Amelia

Amelia is a passionate chef who finds joy in trying out different cuisines and dishes and sharing her expertise with the world. She enjoys cooking and curating recipes so much!

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