Pork belly possesses an iconic rich flavour and tenderness that make it a firm favourite ingredient in modern Australian cuisine. However, if you’re feeling like changing things up or your local Linley Valley Pork retailer has sold out, there are plenty of pork belly substitutes that deliver similar results. 

Let’s explore some of our favourite recipes using pork belly substitutes.

Why Pork is Always a Winning Choice

Pork is one of the most versatile meats, perfect for every cuisine and cooking style. Its variety of cuts, from lean loins to marbled shoulders, suits a wide variety of recipes. Pork’s flavour pairs beautifully with BBQ rubs, Asian spices, and everything in between. 

Slow-cooked stews, grilled ribs, and roasted tenderloins showcase pork’s richness. With pork, you can create hearty, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable meals.

Why Pork Belly is so Popular

Knowing what makes pork belly so special can help you understand what is a good substitute for pork belly and how to bring out the best in butcher cuts like pork shoulder and loin

A good cut of pork belly features alternating layers of meat and fat, creating a moist and tender morsel that melts in your mouth. Pork belly is also rich in protein and good minerals, contributing to a healthy diet.

When You Might Need a Pork Belly Substitute

There are several scenarios when a substitution might be necessary:

  • Availability: pork belly is not always in stock at the local butcher or supermarket.
  • Different cooking methods: Certain dishes require substitutes that are better suited to the cooking method.
  • Cost efficiency: Pork belly can be expensive, especially during peak demand.  
  • Health considerations: Some recipes call for a leaner version without compromising fullness.

Learn more: Keto Pork Recipes For Your Diet

What Is a Good Substitute for Pork Belly?

The good news is that many of the qualities that make pork belly special can be found in pork belly substitutes. These cuts can serve as excellent substitutes while maintaining rich flavour and texture:

1. Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt or Shoulder)

Due to its marbling and fat content, pork shoulder is a fantastic substitute for pork belly. When cooked correctly, it mimics the tender texture and deep flavour of pork belly.

Best Used For: Braising, roasting, or pulled pork.

Cooking Tip: Slow cooking softens the fat and transforms the texture, creating a rich and flavourful result. You can also slice and crisp it for a texture similar to that of a pork belly.

2. Pork Loin with Added Fat

While pork loin is leaner, adding fat during cooking makes it a viable substitute for pork belly.

Best Used For: Roasts, grilling, or pan-searing.

Cooking Tip: Wrap pork loin in bacon or use a fat-rich marinade to retain moisture. Adding butter or oil during cooking enhances its flavour and richness.

3. Pork Ribs (Spare Ribs or Baby Back Ribs)

Pork ribs, especially spare ribs, are an excellent substitute due to their fat content. They offer a succulent texture and robust flavour.

Best Used For: Grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking.

Cooking Tip: Slow-cook or grill ribs to tenderise the meat, ensuring a melt-in-the-mouth experience similar to pork belly.

Additional Pork Cuts to Consider

Craving pork belly’s richness? These alternative options deliver all the versatility you need!

1. Pork Cheeks

Pork cheeks are tender and flavourful, with a high-fat content that closely resembles the richness of pork belly.

Best Used For: Slow braising or stews.

Cooking Tip: Slow cooking allows the collagen to break down, delivering a silky, tender result.

2. Pork Collar (Pork Neck)

Pork collar is another marbled cut ideal for slow cooking. It has the tenderness and fat needed to replicate pork belly.

Best Used For: Slow roasts or braising.

Cooking Tip: Slow-roast or braise pork collar to render its fat, resulting in a rich and tender dish.

3. Pork Fatback

Fatback is the thick fat layer along the back. While it lacks meat, it adds richness when paired with leaner cuts.

Best Used For: Rendering for lard or enhancing lean pork cuts.

Cooking Tip: Combine fatback with pork loin or tenderloin for added richness. Cook until crispy for a pork belly-like texture.

Nutritional Breakdown of Pork Belly Substitute Options

Here’s a comparison of various substitute pork belly cuts, focusing on their protein and fat content per 100 grams:

Pork Cut Protein (g) Fat (g) Energy (Kj)
Pork Belly 27.4 30.8  1606 
Pork Shoulder 22.6 14 901
Pork Loin 28 12.2 930
Pork Ribs 27.4 32.4 1663
Pork Cheeks 20 2.2 556
Pork Collar 18 14 824
Pork Fatback 3.3 100.6 921

Note: Nutrient values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the animal’s diet and specific cut specifications.

Learn more: Food Standards in Australia and New Zealand.

Tips for Success with Pork Belly Substitutes

Transform any cut into a pork belly-worthy dish with these easy tips!

🧈 Add fat for richness: Use bacon, butter, or oil to boost moisture and flavour in lean cuts like pork loin or ribs.

🍲 Slow-cook for tenderness: Braise or roast substitutes like shoulder, ribs, and cheeks to achieve melt-in-the-mouth texture.

🔥 Crisp the skin: Roast or grill pork shoulder or collar with the skin on for that perfect crackling finish.

🍯 Marinate for flavour: Use soy sauce, garlic, honey, or spices to mimic pork belly’s deep, savoury taste. Let it marinate for hours.

🥣 Cook with collagen broth: Add richness and tenderness to substitutes like cheeks or collars by slow-cooking in a collagen-rich broth.

🌡️ Check with a thermometer: Avoid overcooking by monitoring internal temperatures for juicy, tender results.

🌶️ Spice it up: Use bold rubs like paprika or five-spice to replicate pork belly’s hearty flavour.

🍳 Render fat: Slowly cook fatback to release richness, perfect for basting or flavouring leaner cuts.

🍬 Glaze for shine: Finish with a glaze of honey, brown sugar, or vinegar for a caramelised, glossy touch.

Let it rest: Allow cooked meat to rest for 5–10 minutes to keep juices locked in and flavours bold.

Choose quality cuts: High-quality Linley Valley Pork products can even be a better option than cheap, low-grade pork belly.

Discovering Pork’s Endless Possibilities

Finding a good pork belly substitute is easier than you think. The butcher cuts like pork shoulder, ribs, and collar deliver similar richness and texture. With the right preparation, these alternatives shine in a variety of pork recipes.

Did you try these substitute pork belly recipes? Share your favourite with us on Linley Valley Pork’s Instagram and Facebook.