Best Easy Pork Belly with Collard Greens Recipe

Rich, meltingly tender pork belly served alongside slow-cooked collard greens is a soulful Southern feast. This protein-packed, carnivore-approved dish delivers deep, smoky flavors in every bite.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 630 kcal
#high protein #keto #carnivore #southern comfort
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork belly (skinless) 2 lbs
  • collard greens 1.5 lbs
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • smoked bacon 4 slices
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • paprika 1 tsp
  • apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp
  • brown sugar 1 tbsp
  • chicken broth 2 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 4%
Protein 21 g 13%
Fat 60 g 83%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Score the pork belly fat in a crosshatch pattern, then season generously on all sides with 1.5 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.

  2. 2

    Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear the pork belly fat-side down until deep golden, about 5–7 minutes; turn and sear the other sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add chopped bacon and cook until crisp; then stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, scraping fond from the bottom.

  4. 4

    Add collard greens to the pot, tossing with the onion mixture until wilted. Sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and brown sugar.

  5. 5

    Nestle the pork belly atop the collards. Pour in chicken broth and drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Cover and bake at 325°F for 1.5–2 hours, basting halfway, until pork belly is meltingly tender and greens deeply flavored. Slice pork and serve over the collards.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients in this Pork Belly with Collard Greens recipe?
The core ingredients are pork belly—providing rich, tender meat and deep flavor—and collard greens, which add earthiness and soak up the savory juices. Smoked bacon, onion, and garlic build the flavor base, while chicken broth and apple cider vinegar help create a soulful Southern taste.
Q. What’s the most critical cooking step for achieving tender pork belly?
Oven-braising the pork belly covered at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours allows the fat to render and the meat to become meltingly tender. Properly searing before this locks in flavor and ensures succulent results—don’t rush the low-and-slow roasting.
Q. How can I prevent the collard greens from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcooking by stirring the collard greens into the sautéed onion mixture just until wilted before braising. In the oven, check tenderness after 1.5 hours and stop as soon as they’re silky but not falling apart.
Q. How many calories and what is the macronutrient breakdown per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 630 kcal, with 60g fat (83% of calories), 21g protein (13%), and 7g carbohydrates (4%), making it a protein-rich and keto-friendly dish.
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