Crispy Pork Belly Recipe
Crispy Pork Belly is a delicious dish with golden, crackling skin and tender, flavorful meat underneath. The contrast of the crunchy top layer and the juicy pork makes it a…
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Crispy Pork Belly is a delicious dish with golden, crackling skin and tender, flavorful meat underneath. The contrast of the crunchy top layer and the juicy pork makes it a favorite for anyone who loves a bit of texture in their meal. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
I love making crispy pork belly because the smell while it’s cooking is amazing, and it fills the kitchen with warmth. One tip I always follow is to make sure the skin is dry before roasting – it really helps get that perfect crunch. It’s kind of fun waiting for that crackle to happen in the oven because you know something tasty is just around the corner.
My favorite way to enjoy this dish is with some steamed rice and a side of fresh veggies or a tangy dipping sauce. It’s great for sharing too, making it perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. Every time I make it, it feels like a little treat that everyone looks forward to coming back for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Belly: This is the star ingredient, with its layers of fat and meat giving the dish rich flavor. If pork belly is hard to find, you could try pork shoulder, but it won’t be quite as crispy on the skin side.
Sea Salt & Baking Powder: Used to dry out the skin and help it crisp. If you don’t have baking powder, just using salt and making sure the skin stays very dry works well too.
Five-Spice Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the meat side. If you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, star anise, and clove can work as a simple substitute.
Soy Sauce: Helps season the pork and adds a bit of depth. For a gluten-free option, tamari can replace soy sauce.
Oil: Olive or vegetable oil helps the seasoning stick and promote browning. Neutral oils like canola or sunflower work too.
How Can You Get the Skin Perfectly Crispy Every Time?
Getting the skin crispy is all about removing moisture and cooking at the right heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Score the Skin: Use a sharp knife to gently score the skin to help fat render and the skin crisp evenly.
- Dry the Skin: Pat it dry really well before seasoning and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight if you can. This extra step dries out the skin, which is key for crunch.
- Salt and Baking Powder: These pull out moisture and add texture. Rub them all over the skin before roasting.
- Start Hot: High heat at the beginning (425°F/220°C) encourages the skin to blister and crisp up.
- Lower and Slow: After initial crisping, lower the temperature so the meat cooks fully without drying out.
- Use a Rack: Roast the pork on a wire rack so heat circulates and fat drips away, preventing soggy skin.
- Watch at the End: Switching to broil for a few minutes can help crisp any less-cooked spots, but keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – to score the pork skin without cutting into the meat, which helps the skin crisp up.
- Paper towels – essential for drying the pork skin thoroughly before roasting for the best crackle.
- Baking tray with wire rack – lets hot air circulate around the pork belly and catches drippings to keep skin crispy.
- Aluminum foil – for lining the tray to make cleanup easier from the fat drippings.
- Oven – a good, reliable oven that can maintain high heat for crisping and then lower heat for slow cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add five-spice and honey glaze after roasting for a sweet and spicy finish that caramelizes beautifully.
- Rub the meat side with smoked paprika and cumin instead of five-spice for a smoky, earthy flavor twist.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made from lime juice, chili flakes, and fish sauce for a tangy, spicy contrast.
- Top cooked pork belly with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Crispy Pork Belly?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork belly, skin on
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (for skin)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, helps crisp skin)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish e.g., thyme or parsley)
Time Needed to Cook Crispy Pork Belly
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for roasting. If you choose to dry the skin overnight in the fridge as recommended, plan ahead for that extra time. Overall, expect around 2 hours in total before you get to enjoy that perfect crackly pork belly.
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Belly
Use a sharp knife to carefully score the skin of the pork belly with a crisscross or straight pattern. Be sure not to cut into the meat itself — just the skin. This helps the skin crisp nicely while cooking.
2. Dry the Skin
Pat the pork belly skin really dry using paper towels. For the best crispy skin, leave the pork belly uncovered in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, just dry it well and continue.
3. Season the Skin and Meat
Mix the sea salt with baking powder, then rub this all over the pork skin. This will draw out moisture and make the skin extra crispy. Flip the pork and rub the meat side with soy sauce, five-spice powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to soak in the flavors.
4. Roast to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking tray to catch drippings. Roast at high heat for 30 minutes to start crisping the skin.
5. Finish Roasting
Turn down the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. The meat will become tender, and the skin will turn golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crispy skin, briefly switch the oven to broil/grill for 2 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
6. Rest and Serve
Let your crispy pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like and serve hot, paired with steamed rice or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Belly for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork belly, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before preparing. Pat the skin dry thoroughly to get the best crispy results.
How Should I Store Leftover Crispy Pork Belly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to help maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the skin soggy.
Can I Prepare the Pork Belly in Advance?
Absolutely! You can score, season, and dry the pork belly skin the day before, letting it rest uncovered in the fridge overnight. This helps ensure the skin crisps perfectly when cooked.
What Side Dishes Go Well with Crispy Pork Belly?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad all complement crispy pork belly nicely. A tangy dipping sauce like a chili-lime or hoisin-based sauce also pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors.
