Crispy pork belly with caramelised strawberries, cider sauce, herb roasted potatoes and charred cabbage wedges

Golden crackling surrounds succulent pork belly, rich with savoury depth and tender meat. Herb roasted potatoes add a rustic crunch, charred cabbage balances with smoky earthiness, and a sweet strawberry cider sauce pulls it all together in every satisfying mouthful.

By Elliott Grover
From Saturday Kitchen

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This crispy pork belly with caramelised strawberries earns a Nutri-Score of C. It balances roast pork belly’s richness with nutrient-dense potatoes, cabbage, and strawberries, though saturated fat and added sugar remain moderate.

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Ingredients

• 2.5kg pork belly, skin on
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 800g baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for potatoes)
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 250g British strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 tbsp light soft brown sugar
• 200ml dry cider
• 2 tbsp sea salt flakes
• ½ tsp onion granules
• ½ tsp garlic granules
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp celery seeds
• ½ tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small green or Savoy cabbage, tough outer leaves removed
• 3 tbsp olive oil (for cabbage)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)

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Method

1. Crispy Pork Belly:
   Pat pork belly dry; score the skin without cutting into meat. Rub sea salt into the skin and let it sit uncovered in the fridge overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7. Drizzle vinegar over skin, rub with olive oil, plus a little extra salt. Place on a rack over a roasting pan and roast 30 minutes.
3. Lower oven to 160°C/140°C Fan/Gas 3; roast for another 1½ hours. Finish at 230°C/210°C Fan/Gas 8 for 15–20 minutes to crisp the crackling. Rest pork for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
4. Herb Roasted Potatoes:
   Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, crushed garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast on a tray 35–40 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
5. Caramelised Strawberries & Cider Sauce:
   Melt butter in a medium pan over moderate heat. Add halved strawberries and sugar; cook gently 2–3 minutes until soft and caramelised. Add cider and simmer until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
6. Steak Rub:
   Combine all rub ingredients in a bowl.
7. Charred Cabbage & Lemon Herb Drizzle:
   Cut cabbage into 4–6 wedges, keeping cores intact. Season with steak rub. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large lidded skillet on medium-high; sear cabbage wedges cut-side down 3–4 minutes per side until well browned. Add a glass of water, cover, lower heat, cook 5–7 minutes to soften.
8. Mix remaining olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and chopped herbs for drizzle. Pour over cabbage just before serving.
9. To Serve:
   Arrange pork belly slices, crisp potatoes, charred cabbage wedges and strawberry cider sauce on a large platter and serve.

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Suggested Wine Pairing

• Majestic: Errazuriz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
  Velvety dark fruit and a touch of spice complement pork belly’s richness and the sweet notes of strawberry cider sauce.
• Tesco: Finest Rioja Reserva
  Silky texture, lively acidity and mild oak work beautifully with both pork and tangy cabbage.
• Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Pinot Noir
  Fresh cherry and subtle earthiness mirror strawberry sauce and lift the roasted herbs.

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What can you serve with this

1. Apple sauce — Classic option; its light acidity enhances pork belly’s savoury profile.
2. Roasted root vegetables — Sweetness and depth balance rich meat.
3. Green beans with garlic — Crunch and gentle spice cut through fatty pork.
4. Mixed salad with vinaigrette — Refreshes palate and lightens the meal.

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FAQs for Crispy Pork Belly with Caramelised Strawberries

• How do you get perfect crackling? Dry the skin overnight and score deeply; finish with high oven heat.
• Can pork belly be prepared ahead? Yes, salt and refrigerate overnight before roasting.
• Is cider necessary for the sauce? You can use apple juice or dry white wine for similar results.
• How do I char cabbage? Sear wedges on high heat, cover and steam until tender.
• Is this meal gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Can potatoes be cooked in advance? Roast, refrigerate, then reheat to crisp.
• Which herbs work for drizzle? Parsley, dill, or chives bring freshness and colour.

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Nutri-score Health Check

Rated C on the Nutri-Score scale, this pork belly recipe combines protein, vitamins, and minerals from meat and veg. The moderate amount of butter and sugar mostly balances alongside hearty vegetables, but saturated fat and salt are present and best in moderation. This Nutri-Score is automatically calculated and a guide only.