This succulent, tender and center-stage worthy dish is another festive option to the usual Christmas Ham or Lechon. The Instant Pot cuts the cooking time in less than half so you have more time for the rest of the Christmas dinner spread.
Combine the ingredients for the marinade in a lidded container big enough to fit the slab of pork. Once sugar is dissolved, place the pork belly (skin side up). Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Remove the marinated pork from the marinade (reserve marinade) and tie as you would a Lechon Belly. ** (see Notes)
Pour the leftover marinade in the inner pot of the IP and add 1 cup of pineapple juice. Place a cooking rack on top then position the rolled pork belly on top. Cover and cook on Meat setting for 55 minutes then naturally release pressure after 20 minutes.
Very carefully remove the meat and transfer to a shallow pan. Strain the remaining liquid over the meat. Bring to a boil on medium heat to reduce the sauce until a thick gravy forms. Baste constantly for a shinier top.
Turn the heat off then transfer to a serving platter once slightly cooled. Slice thinly (remove twine) and serve with the sauce alongside.
Alternatively, this can be done on the stove. After marinating, transfer BOTH the meat and the remaining marinade in a large pot and add 2 CUPS of PINEAPPLE JUICE and 1 CUP of WATER. Add more juice until the liquid reaches almost the same level as the top of the meat. Cover and bring to a boil over MEDIUM heat, making sure to skim off the scum that floats as it boils. Switch to LOW and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours (or until meat is fork tender). Then, follow Steps 4 and 5.
Notes
*Make sure you use unsweetened 100% pineapple juice, not sweetened. I buy the one in a big can that’s made in the Philippines.**Place 5 pre-cut strings on a flat surface where you’ll be tying the meat, spacing about an inch in between. Place the pork belly skin-side down on top, making sure the middle string is at the same spot as the center of the meat. Roll the pork until both ends meet and tie each string tightly. Repeat until the whole pork slab is secured with twine.
Keyword christmas, christmas dinner, media noche, New Year's Eve, noche buena, pasko, potluck