Pork belly is a delicious and useful cut, used in several recipes and quite popular with Asian and especially Chinese recipes. However, it can be somewhat difficult to find, especially in America, where pork belly competes with the more favored bacon that comes from the same cut of meat.
While there are similarities between pork belly and bacon, the two aren’t as easily interchangeable. As such, pork belly can be somewhat difficult to get hold of. Its rarity is not because it is an expensive cut, but because bacon is the more desirable meat in America.
As such, if it’s difficult to find the ingredient, many recipes can work with a pork belly substitute instead. Some of the best substitutes for pork belly are bacon, pork shoulder, duck meat, and goose meat. Vegans and vegetarians can find workarounds using soy-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein and tofu.
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Pork-Based Substitutes For Pork Belly
1. Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
Pork shoulder has some popularity even though it’s still somewhat underrated. It works quite well for slow cooking, and though not entirely ideal, it can work as an alternative for pork belly. Sometimes also called pork butt or Boston butt, this cut of meat actually comes from the shoulder of the animal and not the butt, as the name would imply.
When used as a substitute, it’s worth noting that pork shoulder is leaner, tougher, and has a lot of connective tissue. This makes it quite different from the rich pork belly. However, there is a good amount of fat for the pork shoulder and it can be put to good use.
If pork shoulder is used as a substitute, you’ll have to expect some changes to the texture of the food, plus changes in the cooking method. You will want to marinate the pork shoulder and/or give it some time for slow cooking, so it gets softer and useful for working as a replacement for the richer and flavorful pork belly.
2. Spare Ribs
Boneless spare ribs can be a suitable alternative to pork belly. In a way, this substitution is quite similar to working with pork shoulder, though spare ribs is generally seen as a more favorable and flavorful cut of meat.
Yet, this cut is notably leaner and has more connective tissue compared to pork belly. Depending on the recipe and substitution requirements, it can be useful to have spare ribs cut into cubes or steaks, thus making way for an easier substitution.
Again, since this is a leaner and relatively chewier cut, it is worthwhile to spend some extra time marinating and braising so that the texture more closely resembles pork belly.
3. Pork Bacon
One of the easiest, (though not the best), substitutes for pork belly is the well-known pork bacon. The substitution is also simple enough – you simply use pork bacon in place of pork belly for the recipe. The amount and process remains largely unchanged.
However, substitutions usually aren’t that straightforward, so some adjustments might be unavoidable. Bacon is usually salted and cured, which gives it that nice smoky flavor and chewy texture. However none of these are seen in pork belly. As such, the recipe might have to work with some changes of texture and the presence of the smoky flavor.
Additionally, remember to manage the salt content of the recipe (since bacon is salted). Plus, adjustments to flavor and texture might be necessary since bacon is smoked. Using thick cut bacon can help to some degree, but still, it’s difficult to take away the changes caused by curing and smoking the meat.
As such, though there are major similarities, use pork bacon as a pork belly substitute only when absolutely necessary – and even then, give it a second thought!
Non-Pork Meat Substitutes For Pork Belly
1. Duck, Goose, Or Turkey
Meat from duck, goose, or turkey can very well be a suitable non-pork alternative for pork belly. In fact, this approach is usually more desirable than using meat from other animals for substitution for pork belly, some examples being beef navel or lamb spare ribs.
While the choice of bird can vary depending on taste and availability preferences for substitution, it is usually the breast of the bird that’s used in place of pork belly. Some additional fat (like a generous touch of butter) is usually desirable to account for the extra fat that’s common for the pig belly.
Of course, there will be a difference in taste and texture, but generally speaking, for recipes that need a non-pork substitute for pork belly – these birds are usually the best pick.
2. Salmon Belly
Salmon belly can be a workable, albeit controversial, alternative to pork belly. The meat has a high fat content and can get a rich and crispy texture with the right cooking.
The difficult part, of course, is working with the changes in taste and texture. Additionally, salmon belly isn’t quite treated as a popular ingredient, unlike pork belly or bacon. Many chefs actually remove salmon belly, rather than use it in their recipes.
On the other hand, those who’re okay with the texture of salmon belly can enjoy it as a workable non-pork substitute for pork belly.
Vegan Substitutes For Pork Belly
1. Textured Vegetable Protein Strips
Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) or Textured Soy Protein (TSP) does a pretty good job at getting the texture of meat right. TVP is available in many forms, including flakes and chunks. TVP strips can work especially well, making it possible to form a clean layering of protein and fat.
Of course, additional prep is often necessary when using vegan alternatives to meat. While TVP can get the texture right, there’s still a need to work with the flavors. Often, vegan recipes use starches, flours, and ingredients like coconut milk and oils to get the right blend of flavors.
A good example of working TVP strips to pork belly comes from this video recipe that handles the recipe and its expectations quite skillfully – including the presence of fat layers!
2. Other Options – Seitan, Tofu, King Oyster Mushrooms, Jackfruit
Other options to replace pork belly in a recipe include conventional vegan ingredients like seitan, tofu, king oyster mushrooms, and jackfruit.
Of course, these are all different ingredients and each needs its own replacement methods to work as vegan alternatives to pork belly. Tofu, especially when sliced to tofu skin can work quite well to represent various layers of meat.
Meanwhile, seitan and king oyster mushrooms do a rather good job managing texture of the recipe.
Jackfruit can be more difficult to work with, but it is a rather useful vegan substitute to meat.
Getting The Ball Rolling With The Right Pork Belly Substitute
This discussion offers several alternatives that can work as suitable pork belly substitutes. I’ve also included some ideas to include various diet preferences, including vegan and non-pork substitutes.
However, it’s worth remembering that substituting for pork belly requires some additional effort for most ingredients. So, when choosing an option from those listed here, remember that additional prep is necessary before you can work it into the amazing pork belly substitute that you want and deserve!