Asian Pork Belly Bites with Cucumber Ribbons

This is a sure favourite in my house when I’m making canapés; sticky pork belly and crisp refreshing cucumber are a great combination!

Makes around 30

Prep time: 20 minutes plus 2 hours marinating

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

700g pork belly strips

2 cucumbers

Marinade:

200ml plum sauce

35g chilli jam

20ml toasted sesame oil

1 tsp Chinese five spice

Cocktail sticks

Method:

1. Cut the pork in to bite size chunks, remembering that it will shrink as it cooks.

2. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade, plus a pinch of salt in a bowl. Remove around 4 tablespoons and set aside for glazing later.

3. Toss the pork in the remaining marinade and allow the flavour to infuse for at least 2 hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the pork on a foil lined baking tray and roast for 30 minutes until well browned, tuning at least once.

5. Whilst the pork is cooking, use a speed peeler to make long ribbons from the cucumber.

6. Remove the pork from the oven and cool slightly.

7. Take one cucumber ribbon and weave it onto a cocktail stick, pushing a piece of pork on afterwards. Lay on a clean chopping board and repeat with the remaining cucumber and pork.

8. Using a pastry brush, brush the remaining marinade over the pork and serve.