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Pork Belly Collard Greens 🥬

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
11 Comments
4.34 from 3 votes

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Ready for a flavor-packed dish that's perfect for your keto, gluten-free, or whole30 diet? Dive into our spicy Pork Belly Collard Greens! This dish combines the robust flavors of veggies and pork belly with a spicy twist that will tantalize your tastebuds. This isn't just any side dish – it's a nutritious and taste-explosion that can enhance any meal. Let's heat up the kitchen and start cooking!

Spicy Pork Belly Collard Greens in skillet with wooden spoon
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making this keto collard greens recipe is a breeze - you can prepare it in just 18 minutes! First, we sizzle up some pork belly in a big cast iron skillet. Next, we add in chopped garlic and jalapeño to amp up the aroma and spice. The collard greens come in next, wilting beautifully in the mix. To top it off, we add a dash of apple cider vinegar and let it all simmer for 5-10 minutes. And voila! Your tasty pork belly keto recipe is ready to enjoy!

Chef's note

Get adventurous with your spicy keto pork belly dish! Why not try serving it with a side of keto cornbread? This gives a balanced contrast of flavors and adds a delightful texture twist. But don't stop there! You could even toss in a handful of sliced almonds or pecans to the collard greens for a surprise crunch. The beauty of this dish is that it's a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. So go ahead, experiment, and make it uniquely yours!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes: 2 Servings
pork belly cooking in a cast iron skillet

For more inspiration check out our Pork recipe.

🥬 Ingredients for this pork belly collard greens recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this keto pork belly recipe:

  • 4 ounces of cooked pork belly
  • 1 bunch of collard greens (10 ounces)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 jalapeño (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt to taste

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Jalapeño: If jalapeño is too hot, swap it for a milder pepper like Poblano or Anaheim.
  • Apple cider vinegar: If you don't have apple cider vinegar, use white or red wine vinegar as a substitute.
  • Pork belly: If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to lower the dish's fat content, replace the pork belly with tempeh bacon. This plant-based alternative will still provide a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.

Additional ingredients

Make this keto crispy pork belly recipe more interesting by adding these optional ingredients:

  • Onion: Include some finely diced onion to enhance the dish's flavor profile and add some aroma. 
  • Smoked paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a spicy and smoky flavor that complements the collard greens and the crispy pork bites.
  • Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
  • Lemon juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the earthy collard greens just before serving for a citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
  • Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado is a creamy and healthy garnish and adds a delightful texture to the recipe.
  • Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top to add a nutty flavor to the dish.

Cooking tools required

To make this collard greens with pork belly recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Tools substitute options

  • Large cast iron skillet: If you don't have a large cast iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet or a regular frying pan. Just make sure it's large enough to accommodate the ingredients.

How to make Pork Belly Collard Greens: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Cut the cooked pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Finely chop the garlic and jalapeño, and set them aside.
  3. Clean the collard greens well.
  4. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the pork belly for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  3. Add chopped garlic and jalapeños to the skillet, cooking for around 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Gradually add chopped collard greens, allowing them to wilt. Stir in apple cider vinegar.
  5. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
  6. Transfer the pork belly and collard greens from the skillet to a plate.
  7. Add salt according to your preference, and serve hot.
Spicy Pork Belly Collard Greens in cast iron skillet

Chef's pro tip

Make sure your collard greens stay a bit crunchy. If they're too soft, you've cooked them too long. To avoid this, watch the clock and try a taste now and then to check their crunchiness.

What to serve with pork belly collard greens?

Pair this keto collard greens recipe with the following dishes for a complete meal:

  • Grilled or roasted chicken breast: The light and lean protein in chicken balances out the rich and hearty collard greens.
  • Pan-seared salmon: The fatty, flavorful salmon pairs well with the spicy and savory greens, creating a balanced plate.
  • Grilled steak: A grilled steak's bold, rich flavors complement the spicy and hearty collard greens for a satisfying meal.
  • Baked or grilled shrimp: The light, sweet shrimp provides a nice contrast to the spicy, savory collard greens.
  • Cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash: Both options are low-carb alternatives that help absorb and complement the flavors of the collard greens.

How to make it healthier

You can make the keto pork belly dish even healthier by following these tips:

  • Opt for leaner cuts of pork to get the excess fat out of the picture.
  • Opt for low-sodium or no-salt versions of the ingredients you use. 
  • Improve the vegetable-to-meat ratio by adding more collard greens to the recipe.

Time-saving tips

  • Opt for pre-cooked pork belly to speed up the preparation process.
  • Prepare a larger batch by doubling the recipe in a spacious cast iron skillet. This saves time by cooking more collard greens at once and provides leftovers for future meals.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pre-cook the pork belly before starting the recipe for a head start.
  • Wash the collard greens, remove tough stems, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Add them directly to the skillet when it's time to cook.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerate: Keep the leftovers fresh by transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.

Note: Avoid freezing the leftovers, as the crispy texture of the pork belly bites may be compromised.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
  • Oven: Transfer the pork collard greens to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Here it is - your Pork Belly Collard Greens, packed with flavor and perfectly suited for your keto diet! With tender collard greens, savory pork belly, and spicy jalapeño, every bite is a delightful flavor adventure.

So, invite over some friends or family, pair these tangy greens with a main dish of your choice, and enjoy a tasty meal together. It's a great way to appreciate your cooking skills and fill up on some hearty food. Have fun in the kitchen and happy eating!

Frequently asked questions

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the pork belly with tempeh bacon or another plant-based protein alternative.

Freezing will undermine the texture and taste of the collard greens and pork. 

Yes, collard greens are keto-friendly as they are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber.

It's important to check the nutrition label of canned collard greens as some brands may add ingredients that could affect their keto-friendliness. 

📖 Recipe

Spicy Pork Belly Collard Greens in skillet with wooden spoon

Pork Belly Collard Greens

The Spicy Pork Belly Collard Greens is a perfect Keto, gluten-free, Whole30, and low-carb side dish!
4.34 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy, keto, low carb, southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 175kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cooked pork belly or tempeh bacon for plant-based
  • 1 bunch collard greens
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeño minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium-high heat.
  • Cook the pork belly for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  • Add chopped garlic and jalapeños to the skillet, cooking for around 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Gradually add chopped collard greens, allowing them to wilt. Stir in apple cider vinegar.
  • Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
  • Transfer the pork belly and collard greens from the skillet to a plate.
  • Add salt according to your preference, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Pork Belly Collard Greens
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 22mg1%
Potassium 212mg6%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 3802IU76%
Vitamin C 31mg38%
Calcium 174mg17%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CONNIE says

    3 stars
    This was good. I prefer my collards the southern method though; will try the pork belly instead of ham hock the southern way

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Connie,

      We are happy to hear that you will try this recipe.😊 We'd love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking, and feel free to share your experience with us! 🍽️👩‍🍳

      Reply

  2. Corine says

    5 stars
    I am about to prepare my collards with pork belly (first time). Will Hola back later.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Corine,

      First times are always exciting! 😊 Enjoy preparing your collards with pork belly. We can't wait to hear how it turns out. Hola back whenever you're ready! Happy cooking! 🥬🥓

      Reply

  3. Lisa says

    Yum! That looks delicious!

    Reply

  4. Simy says

    Hey just wondering what the serving size would be in grams?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Simy, unfortunately, that’s not how recipes work. Unlike a packaged food product that is made by a single company, recipes can’t provide reliable serving weights due to the fluctuations in how different people measure and cook. To get a reliable serving size you’ll need to weigh your final dish then divide by the number of servings. You can also simply eyeball 1/4th of the recipe. I hope this helps!

      Reply

  5. froleprotrem says

    Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for!

    Reply

  6. Barbara says

    I made this and just finished eating. This is a wonderful recipe-easy, satisfying, healthy-doesn't get any better.

    Reply

  7. Hopeful says

    This looks so good and I can't wait to try it. I love collard greens and I'm looking forward to this new recipe. I would imagine that this dish freezes well...correct?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      I haven't tried freezing these but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

      Reply
4.34 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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