Pork belly is a versatile, flavourful, and affordable meat dish that is enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide. It is a boneless, fatty cut of meat from the underside of a hog's belly. The calorie content of pork belly depends on the amount of fat it contains. For instance, 3 oz of fully cooked pork belly contains 240 calories, while 4 oz of raw pork belly contains 585 calories. When it comes to 1 lb of pork belly, the calorie count reaches 2350.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Calories in 1 lb of steam-cooked pork belly | 2350 calories |
Calorie breakdown | 93% fat, 0% carbs, 7% protein |
Calories per 4-ounce serving | 585 calories |
Calories per 3-ounce serving | 240 calories |
What You'll Learn
Pork belly is high in calories
Pork belly is a fatty, boneless cut of meat from the underside of a hog's belly. It is a versatile and flavourful ingredient used in world cuisine, from Danish pork roast to Filipino deep-fried pork belly.
The calorie content of pork belly is significantly higher than that of other pork cuts. For example, a 4-ounce serving of pork loin contains only 10 grams of fat and has roughly 24 grams of protein, compared to 10 grams in the same serving size of pork belly.
Because of its high-calorie content, pork belly may not be the best option for those watching their weight or trying to reduce their fat intake. However, if enjoyed on rare occasions, it is unlikely to affect any weight loss goals.
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Pork belly is fatty
There are 2350 calories in 1 pound of pork belly, with a calorie breakdown of 93% fat, 0% carbs, and 7% protein. This equates to around 585 calories per 4-ounce (113-gram) serving, or 240 calories per 3-ounce (85-gram) serving.
Pork belly is indeed a fatty cut of meat. It comes from the underside of a hog's belly and is tender and boneless. It is prized for its rich flavour and versatility, and is used in dishes all over the world, from Chinese steamed buns to Danish pork roast.
Pork belly is high in fat, with a typical 100-gram serving containing around 50 grams of fat. This fat is a blend of saturated and unsaturated types. The fat content of pork belly means it is calorie-dense, with a 100-gram serving containing 500-600 calories.
The fat in pork belly is not without its benefits, however. It enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which require dietary fats for optimal absorption. Pork belly is also a good source of protein, collagen, and essential vitamins and minerals.
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Pork belly is a good source of protein
There are 2350 calories in 1 pound of pork belly. However, it is also a good source of protein.
Pork is the meat of the domestic pig and is the most commonly consumed red meat worldwide. It is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Lean pork can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
The protein content of lean, cooked pork is around 26% by fresh weight. When dry, this can be as high as 89%, making it one of the richest dietary sources of protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for the body's growth and maintenance. Pork is, therefore, a great food option for bodybuilders, athletes, and people post-surgery who need to build or repair muscles.
Pork belly specifically is known for its rich flavor and versatility, making it a popular ingredient in dishes from many cultures. It is a good source of protein, providing 23% of your daily value. It is also an excellent source of B vitamins, as well as other important nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, iron, and copper.
However, it is important to note that pork belly is high in fat and calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Pork belly is a good source of vitamins and minerals
There are 2350 calories in 1 pound of pork belly, with a calorie breakdown of 93% fat, 0% carbs, and 7% protein. While pork belly is high in calories and fat, it is also an excellent source of B vitamins and other important nutrients.
Pork belly is a good source of B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. It is also a source of vitamin E.
In addition to vitamins, pork belly provides minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Pork is particularly rich in thiamine, which plays an essential role in various bodily functions.
Selenium
Selenium is essential for proper thyroid function and is found abundantly in pork.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral for a healthy brain and immune system.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important for blood formation and brain function and is almost exclusively found in foods of animal origin.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is important for the formation of red blood cells.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin, or vitamin B3, serves a variety of functions in the body and is important for growth and metabolism.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is essential for body growth and maintenance and is commonly found in most foods.
Iron
Pork contains less iron than lamb or beef, but the heme-iron found in red meats is easily absorbed by the human digestive system, making pork an outstanding source of iron.
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Pork belly is a versatile ingredient
There are 2350 calories in 1 pound of pork belly, with a calorie breakdown of 93% fat, 0% carbs, and 7% protein.
Pork belly is commonly used in sandwiches, stuffed buns, stews, hot pots, ramen, tacos, tamales, and fried rice. It can be served on its own, roasted, barbecued, or deep-fried. Many dishes also use crispy pork belly as a garnish.
- Gua bao (pork belly bao buns)
- Lechon kawali (Filipino deep-fried pork belly)
- Glazed pork belly with ginger barbecue sauce
- Crispy golden pork belly flavoured with Shaoxing rice wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic
- Smoked pork belly slices
- Pork belly ramen
- Texas-style smoked pork belly
- Pork belly pastrami
- Pork belly tacos
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 2350 calories in 1 pound of pork belly.
The nutritional content of pork belly is highly dependent on the amount of fat. In general, pork belly is composed of 93% fat, 0% carbs, and 7% protein.
Compared to other pork cuts, pork belly is higher in fat and calories. For example, a 4-ounce serving of pork belly contains 585 calories, while the same serving size of pork loin has only 196 calories.