6 Best Side Dish Recipes To Pair With Smoked Pork Belly

There is nothing like a delicious and hearty panini for a quick and satisfying meal.

And when you serve it with some mouth-watering side dishes, you know that you can’t go wrong.

In this post, we will give you some tips and ideas on what to serve with your smoked pork belly for a meal that everyone will love.

So read on for inspiration!

What is smoked pork belly?

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Is there anything better than the smell of smoked pork belly wafting through the air?

This fatty cut of meat is slowly smoked over hardwood chips, infusing it with a mouthwatering smoky flavor.

Normally, people use the whole cut of pork belly for smoking, when done, the pork is sliced into small pieces before serving with other dishes on the side.

What to consider when choosing a smoked pork belly’s side dish?

Smoked pork belly is often used as the main course with other sides to complement its savory and smoky flavor rather than be eaten alone.

Therefore, to not ruin up your succulent and juicy smoked pork belly, it is essential to choose a good side dish.

But if you don’t know what to consider when picking a good side for smoked pork belly, here are some tips from us that can help:

Smoked pork belly can be served with a starchy or veggie-based side dish

For your information, smoked pork belly can work with a starchy or vegetable side dish.

In case you want a dish that can make sure that you won’t be left hungry after enjoying your meal, a starchy accompaniment will be the way to go.

Otherwise, a vegetable dish is lighter and more suitable for dinner, when you don’t want to upset your stomach late at night.

The refreshing flavor of vegetables will offset the savory taste of your pork belly dish.

Smoked pork belly should come with a milder dish

Pork belly is often well-marinated with a flavorful rub before being smoked.

Therefore, the resulting dish has a savory and rich taste that should be paired with a milder-flavored side dish to achieve a balance in the flavor of your meal.

6 best side dishes to serve with smoked pork belly

In this section, we will delve into the six best side dishes that can be paired with your smoked pork belly:

1. Mashed potatoes

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Mashed potatoes are a classic American side dish that calls for basic ingredients like boiled potatoes, butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.

This simple yet tasty side dish pairs well with different meat-based dishes, including smoked pork belly.

It is easy to make and provides you with healthy carbs to keep you fuller.

2. Cornbread

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Another starchy companion to serve with smoked pork belly is cornbread.

Cornbread is a Southern staple, and it is one of the easiest baked recipes that even a novice home cook can master.

The sweet flavor of cornbread works as a nice addition to the savory and smoky taste of smoked pork belly.

3. Mac and cheese

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What about a classic bowl of mac and cheese?

This side dish can work with smoked pork belly too.

Smoking fatty pork belly makes this cut less greasy, so when enjoyed with a creamy dish like mac and cheese, you won’t find it hard to eat.

4. Vietnamese salad

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In case you want something with a refreshing flavor to complement your smoked pork belly, try Vietnamese salads.

Normally, a Vietnamese salad contains different kinds of grated raw veggies like cabbage, carrots, lettuce, beans sprouts, radish, and green fruits like papaya, mango, with a tangy and balanced dressing from fresh lemon juice and sugar.

The crunchy texture from the raw ingredients and the refreshing taste of Vietnamese salad will definitely make you enjoy your smoked pork belly more.

5. Baked sweet potatoes

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You can also serve your smoked pork belly with baked sweet potatoes.

It is nothing better than pairing two dishes with two contrasting flavors.

The sweetness and creaminess of baked sweet potatoes with butter and the savory smoky flavor of smoked pork belly will result in a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.

6. Roasted vegetables

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Roasted vegetables are a light side dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals from veggies.

Some common kinds of veggies that are perfect for roasting are potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and asparagus.

Roasted vegetables will help balance the savory and smoky taste of smoked pork belly.

The bottom line

Hopefully, our post has helped enlighten you with the six side dish recipes that go well with smoked pork belly sandwiches.

The next time you need an idea of what to serve with your smoked pork belly, don’t hesitate to have another look at our article again.

Thanks for reading!