Crispy Pork Lettuce Wraps With Spicy Cucumbers

Ingredients for Crispy Pork Lettuce Wraps With Spicy Cucumbers

• 1 (350g) piece skin-on pork belly (about 4x3 1/2x1 1/4")

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, divided

• 4 chillies de árbol

• 2 star anise pods

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 Persian or kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 1/2 red chilli (such as Fresno or jalapeño), thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)

• 45ml white miso

• 1 small head of lettuce (such as Little Gem or cos hearts), torn

• 1/2 bunch mint

• 1/2 cup kimchi (optional)

• Gochujang, a mixture of miso and hot chillies, is available at Korean markets and online.

Diagonally score fat side of pork belly, cutting through fat but stopping at flesh and spacing about 1/4" apart. Season pork with salt and pepper and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let sit at least 2 hours, or chill up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 204°C. Unwrap pork and place in the smallest baking dish you can. Add chillies de árbol, star anise, soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 300ml water. Roast until most of fat has rendered, meat is tender, and top is browned and crisp, 2–2 1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, toss cucumbers, spring onions, red chilli, and vinegar in a small bowl to combine. Mix gochujang and miso in another small bowl.

Transfer pork to a cutting board; let rest 10 minutes. Pour off pan juices into a measuring glass. Skim fat from surface.

Slice pork into 1/2" slices, transfer to a platter, and pour pan juices over. Serve with lettuce for wrapping and cucumber salad, mint, kimchi (if using), and gochugang-miso mixture for topping.

Pork can be cooked 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.