Scale:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Pork belly, skin-on
- 12 Large sea scallops (U10 size), dry
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bunch Asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 0.5 cup Maple syrup (Grade A)
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 Star anise pod
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 Granny Smith apple, small dice
- 0.25 cup Dried cranberries
- Microgreens (for garnish)
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tsp Applewood Smoked Garnishing Salt (Salted Perfection)
Instructions
- PREP THE BELLY: Score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern. Season liberally with kosher salt and pepper. Roast at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender. Let it cool, then press it flat in the fridge (put a heavy pan on top) for at least an hour to get that uniform shape. Slice into thick rectangular portions.
- MAKE THE MASH: Boil the Yukon potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and pass through a ricer or mash thoroughly. Fold in the heavy cream and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- BUILD THE GLAZE: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, the cinnamon stick, and star anise. Simmer on low for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic. Remove the spices.
- SEAR AND LACQUER: In a hot cast-iron skillet with a little oil, sear the pork belly portions, skin-side down first, until crispy. Flip and brush generously with the spiced maple glaze. Let the sauce tack up and lacquer the meat. Remove and rest.
- THE SCALLOPS: Wipe the pan or use a clean non-stick. Get it searing hot with a touch of oil. Pat scallops bone-dry and season with salt. Sear for 2 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip, butter baste if you like, and cook 1 more minute. Do not overcook.
- THE VEG: Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until tender-crisp.
- ASSEMBLY: Plate a swoop of the glaze. Place the pork belly down. Stack three scallops on top of the pork (or lean them against it like the photo). Add a mound of mash and the asparagus. Scatter the diced apples and cranberries around.
- FINISH: Sprinkle the Applewood Smoked Garnishing Salt over the scallops and pork just before serving. Top with microgreens.

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