Æbleflæsk (Danish Apple Pork)
Æbleflæsk, meaning 'apple pork,' is a classic Danish dish featuring tender pork belly, sautéed apples, and caramelized onions. Traditionally served on rye bread, it's a comforting and flavorful meal often enjoyed for breakfast or a light dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Streaky pork belly(sliced into 1 cm thick pieces)
- 4 medium Apples(firm, tart varieties like Bramley or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 4 slices Rye bread(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the streaky pork slices in a cold, deep frying pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pork is golden brown and crispy, and most of the fat has rendered out. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
⏱️ 12 minutes💡 Tip: Do not add oil to the pan; the pork will render its own fat. - 2
Remove the crispy pork from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered pork fat in the pan.
💡 Tip: Reserve the remaining pork fat for other uses if desired. - 3
Add the sliced onions to the rendered pork fat in the pan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add the sliced apples to the pan with the onions. Toss to coat in the fat. Cover the pan and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Do not overcook the apples; they should not turn to mush. - 5
Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The apples should be tender and slightly sweet, with a hint of tartness.
💡 Tip: A small amount of sugar balances the tartness of the apples and the richness of the pork. - 6
To serve, place the apple and onion mixture onto slices of rye bread. Top with the crispy pork belly pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Tip: Æbleflæsk is traditionally served open-faced on rye bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- ✓Ensure the pork is cooked until very crispy for the best texture.
- ✓This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the apple mixture.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
- For a richer flavor, use bacon instead of streaky pork belly.