How can I increase the protein?

Add a little more pork or pair the recipe with a compatible high-protein side such as Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, beans, or lean meat depending on the recipe style.

Can I make it lighter?

Use measured oil, lighter dairy or sauce options, and a larger vegetable portion while keeping the main protein amount steady.

What should I watch when swapping ingredients?

Keep moisture, salt, and cooking time in mind because high-protein swaps can dry out or firm up faster than the original ingredient.

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Pork

Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Name: Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds pork belly, skin scored; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided; 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 lemon, zest and juice; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

By Powerproteinplates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 29, 2026 | Updated Jul 22, 2026

American 60 mins high-proteinpaleo-friendlyathlete-fuelhigh-fibereasy-recipesbalancedwhole-foodsweight-losslow-calorie

An easy, paleo-friendly sheet pan recipe showcasing spiced pork belly with roasted Brussels sprouts for a high-protein, high-fiber meal. Perfect for athletes, whole-foods fans, and those pursuing weight loss or muscle-building.

Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep 15 min

Cook 45 min

Total 60 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Servings 4

1.5 pounds pork belly, skin scored
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 lemon, zest and juice
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Powerproteinplates Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts ingredients image

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tablespoon of avocado oil evenly over the pork belly skin, then coat the entire pork belly with the spice mixture.
Place the pork belly skin-side up on a large rimmed baking sheet.
In a bowl, toss halved Brussels sprouts with the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
Arrange the Brussels sprouts evenly around the pork belly on the sheet pan.
Roast for 40-45 minutes until the pork belly skin is crispy and Brussels sprouts are golden and tender.
If needed, broil for 2-3 minutes to further crisp the pork skin, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Remove from oven and let pork belly rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Serve sliced pork belly with roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced, protein-packed paleo meal.

Powerproteinplates Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts process and serving image

Tips

Protein Highlight

pork gives this pork recipe its main protein focus, while supporting ingredients add texture, fiber, or slow-burning carbohydrates. Keep the protein portion clear on the plate instead of letting sauces, toppings, or starches become the bulk of the meal.

Goal Fit

This recipe fits meal prep, active-week eating, and balanced family meals because it combines familiar ingredients with a fitness-friendly structure. Use it when you want a practical option that can support recovery, satiety, or steady energy without turning the meal into a supplement-style dish.

Protein Density

To keep the protein density strong, measure calorie-dense extras and add more pork or a compatible high-protein side before increasing the starch or sauce. If you scale the recipe, preserve the ratio between the protein base and the vegetables, grains, or toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meal prep Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts?: Yes. Portion it into airtight containers and keep toppings, sauces, or crunchy finishes separate when that will protect the texture.
How can I increase the protein?: Add a little more pork or pair the recipe with a compatible high-protein side such as Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, beans, or lean meat depending on the recipe style.
Can I make it lighter?: Use measured oil, lighter dairy or sauce options, and a larger vegetable portion while keeping the main protein amount steady.
What should I watch when swapping ingredients?: Keep moisture, salt, and cooking time in mind because high-protein swaps can dry out or firm up faster than the original ingredient.

Ingredient Replacements

pork belly, skin scored: Use the closest lean protein or high-protein base that fits the recipe format, and keep the portion similar so the texture and protein balance stay intact.
smoked paprika: Swap with a similar cooked grain, vegetable, dairy item, or pantry ingredient when needed, adjusting liquid or cooking time if the replacement is wetter or drier.
ground cumin: Use a related spice, herb, sauce, or aromatic if this ingredient is unavailable, then taste before adding extra salt or heat.
Gluten-free option: Choose certified gluten-free grains, crumbs, sauces, and pantry items when cross-contact matters.
Dairy-free option: Replace yogurt, cheese, kefir, or milk-based ingredients with unsweetened high-protein dairy-free alternatives when they fit the recipe.
Calorie adjustment: Keep oils, sweeteners, nuts, cheese, and creamy sauces measured so the recipe stays aligned with a protein-forward plate.

Storage

Cool Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts before storing, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keep crisp toppings or fresh garnishes separate when useful, freeze only if the main ingredients tolerate thawing well, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid or a short oven, skillet, microwave, or air-fryer warm-up that matches the recipe texture.

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Paleo Spiced Pork Belly Sheet Pan with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Recipe Details

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