Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Pork Belly Rice Bowl

Have you been looking for the perfect dinner with only a few ingredients? Here is one of the best Air Fryer Pork Belly Rice Bowl recipes.

What Is A Pork Belly Rice Bowl?

A Pork Belly Rice Bowl, often referred to in some cuisines as a “Pork Belly Donburi” or simply “Pork Belly Bowl,” is a dish that features slices or pieces of succulent pork belly as its primary protein, usually served atop a bed of steamed rice.

Easy Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Meal

Trader Joe’s offers a plethora of ready-to-cook or partially prepared items that are perfect for the air fryer.

Some of my favorite meals made with Trader Joe’s Meals are:

• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Cilantro Wontons
• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Spinach and Cheese Pizza Bread
• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Bool Kogi
• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Gyro Slices

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pork Belly Rice Bowl

Remember, these ingredients can be purchased at your local Traer Joe’s grocery store. All of them are simple ingredients, and when put together, they are amazing!

• Pork Belly: A luscious, fatty cut from the pig’s belly that, when air-fried, becomes irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• Jasmine Rice: The soft and fluffy base that absorbs the flavors and juices of the pork belly, providing a neutral contrast.
• Soyaki Sauce: A salty and savory condiment that adds depth and umami to the dish.
• Honey: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor, which complements the richness of the pork.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh and slightly sharp contrast, enhancing the dish’s layers of flavor.
• Soft Boiled Eggs: Add some protein to the dish; they can be fried or hard-boiled, depending on what you want your eggs.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and nuttiness, perfect as a garnish.
• Black Garlic and Crunchy Chili Onion: For those who prefer a spicy kick, these add heat and vibrant color to the bowl.

How To Make Air Fryer Pork Belly Rice Bowl

Step One: In a mixing bowl, combine honey and Soyaki, and mix well. Add the pork belly slices to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes. Once heated, arrange the marinated pork belly slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they aren’t overlapping for even cooking. Set cook time at 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The pork belly should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Step Three: While the pork belly is cooking, prepare your steamed rice (using a rice cooker or stovetop method). In individual bowls, add a generous serving of steamed rice.

Step Four: Once the pork belly is done, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Place the sliced pork belly on top of the steamed rice in each bowl, and add your eggs. Drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the top for added flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and black garlic, and drizzle with Crunchy Chili Onion, if desired.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Rice Bowl Recipe Tips

• Marinating Time: Allow the pork belly to marinate for as long as possible.
• Even Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Fat Rendering: Pork belly has a significant fat content. It’s crucial to render out the fat effectively to achieve a crispy texture.
• Check for Doneness: While the exterior should be crispy, the inside should remain tender.
• Resting Time: After air frying, let the pork belly rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of mirin (sweet rice wine) or rice vinegar to your marinade.
• Serving Temperature: Serve the pork belly hot over warm rice to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh garnishes like green onions, cilantro, or even a sprinkle of toasted nori.
• Complementary Sides: Serve with tangy or pickled side dishes.
• Rice Varieties: While white steamed rice is traditional, consider using brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Air Fryer Pork Belly Rice Bowl Recipe Faqs

What cut of pork is best for this recipe? Pork belly is the ideal cut for this recipe, as it has a good balance of fat and meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Can I use pre-cooked pork belly? Yes, you can use pre-cooked pork belly. Just reduce the cooking time to heat it through and achieve a crispy texture.

What type of rice should I use? You can use any type of rice you prefer, but short-grain rice or jasmine rice works particularly well for a sticky texture.

Can I add vegetables to the rice bowl? Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or pickled carrots, to enhance the dish.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pork belly and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowl when ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, it’s great for meal prep! You can portion out the rice and pork belly into containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s French Fries
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• Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
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