About This Recipe:
I created this pork belly lettuce cups recipe to stand apart from the typical Pinot Noir pairings. In pairing it with the Huntington Pinot Noir, I wanted to showcase what I love about Pinot Noir – its elegance, the perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness, along with its distinct earthy elements. The 2022 vintage from Santa Barbara County, specifically from the Pali Vineyard, brings this to life with its well-rounded tartness and blend of flavors. This wine’s acidity and complex profile beautifully cut through the richness of the pork belly, elevating the dish beyond the ordinary. You can purchase Huntington here. Pali Wine Co. is my family’s winery, you can read more about our story here.
How To Make This Recipe:
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Pork Belly Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
• 1 lb pork belly, sliced, hard fat removed or scored
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1-2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1-2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 small daikon radish, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
1. Combine soy sauce, honey, grated garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a shallow container.
2. Marinate in the sliced pork belly mixture for at least 30 minutes, with lid on in the fridge.
3. Prepare the lettuce, green onions, limes, radish, carrots, sesame seeds, and rice.
4. Heat a pan over low-medium heat with 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Cook the pork belly until cooked through, and the fat has rendered, turning occasionally. This should be slow and low – approximately 15-20 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until crispy. This should take about 2-5 minutes. Use a splatter screen if needed. Reserve pan drippings.
5. Add a scoop of jasmine rice to each lettuce leaf.
6. Top with a slice or two of cooked pork belly.
7. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, lime, daikon, carrots, and pan drippings.