Dutch Speklappen or Speklapjes Recipe for Pork Belly

A Dutch speklappen or speklapjes recipe is certainly something you will come across in the Netherlands. I lived in Holland for several years and cooked speklappen, also known as speklapjes, a number of times. Speklappen or speklapjes (the same thing) is Dutch for pork belly slices.

For a bit of background, speklapjes are a traditional Dutch dish made from thinly sliced pork belly. The name itself is rooted in the Dutch language: “spek” translates to bacon or pork belly, and “lapjes” means slices or pieces. So, when you’re talking about speklapjes, you’re essentially referring to thin, flavorful slices of pork belly that are hugely popular in Dutch kitchens.

You can get them quite cheap and cooking pork belly strips is super easy. Also, you can use them in a number of different recipes.

The best way to cook them is in a little oil. Get the oil hot in a skillet or frying pan, then add the speklapjes in one layer and fry them. You will see them turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through  cooking so they cook evenly on both sides.

You can then toss them in your favorite Asian sauce and serve them over egg noodles or egg fried rice, or else have them over mashed potatoes with gravy, or just serve them as they are with your chosen side dishes.

You might like to crumble some over a stamppot recipe as well. That’s how simple it is to prepare a Dutch speklappen or speklapjes recipe which the whole family will enjoy.

Cooking Tips

Learning how to cook speklapjes is very easy, and if you are new to the Netherlands and wondering what on Earth to do with them, the easy answer is just fry them in a skillet in a little oil until crisp and then add your preferred sauce and sides.

You can get ‘barbecue speklappen’ as well. These are just pork belly strips cut thinner so they cook quicker on the grill or regular ones which are simply thicker cuts that cook the same, as long as you cook them until golden brown.

How to Make Them Tender and Juicy

If you prefer your speklapjes more on the tender and juicy side rather than extra-crispy, there’s a simple trick. Once they’ve browned nicely on both sides, turn the heat down and pour about half a cup (125ml) of hot water into the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let the pork belly slices gently simmer for around 30 minutes. This helps them stay wonderfully moist and succulent, soaking in all those rich flavors while becoming melt-in-the-mouth tender.

Why Speklapjes Hold a Special Place in Dutch Cuisine

What makes speklapjes a true staple in Dutch fare is their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you serve them alongside classic Dutch sides like boiled potatoes, fresh vegetables and the obligatory applesauce, or toss them on the barbecue for a summer get-together, Dutch speklapjes never disappoint!

Their savory richness and crispy, satisfying bite make them a favorite for both locals and visitors. Plus, they fit right in whether you’re looking for a comforting home-cooked meal or an easy addition to a backyard grill party. It’s this delicious adaptability that has secured speklapjes a proud spot on Dutch tables for generations.

Where to Buy Pork Belly

If you’re looking for pork belly to make authentic speklapjes, you might not always find it at your average neighborhood supermarket. I typically have the most luck sourcing good pork belly from larger stores like Costco, Asian grocery stores or sometimes at the local butcher.

If you have a farmers’ market or a specialty meat shop nearby, it’s well worth checking there too, as they often carry high-quality pork cuts ideal for traditional Dutch dishes.

What are Barbecue Speklappen?

BBQ speklappen are just pork belly strips that are cut thinner so they cook quicker on the grill or regular ones which are simply thicker cuts that cook the same, as long as you cook them until golden brown.

Speklapjes aren’t just for the frying pan. Many Dutch families love to serve them as the main course alongside classic sides like boiled potatoes, vegetables, and a generous spoonful of applesauce. They’re also a popular choice for barbecues and outdoor grilling, where their crisp edges and rich flavor really shine.

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving a taste of the Netherlands, speklapjes fit right in.

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Speklappen are used to make babi pangang which is a famous Indonesian dish much loved by the Dutch. You can also fry them until crisp, then serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite green vegetable, along with some gravy or au jus of choice.

Some images from Pexels