Craving a dish that's both incredibly flavorful and satisfyingly crispy? Look no further than this simple recipe for perfectly roasted pork belly. This culinary masterpiece boasts incredibly tender, juicy meat encased in a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown skin – a textural and gustatory delight that will impress even the most discerning palates. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparations; this recipe focuses on achieving maximum flavor with minimal fuss, utilizing readily available ingredients and straightforward methods.
The secret to achieving that coveted crackling lies in careful preparation and a watchful eye during the roasting process. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below to create your own unforgettable crispy roast pork belly.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Air fryer (or pan)
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- White salt
- Vinegar
- Lemon
- Spices (for marinating)
- Annatto oil (optional)
- Chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Soy sauce (optional)
- Fish sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Buy a piece of pork belly. There's a skin part attached. Make slits in the meat and stab the skin to help it crisp.
- Boil the pork belly.
- Rub white salt, vinegar, or lemon juice onto the skin. This helps it crisp up when frying. Do not marinate the skin with spices, only salt and vinegar.
- Marinate the meat part separately with spices and optionally annatto oil for richer flavor and color.
- Dry the marinated meat to remove excess moisture.
Step 2. Crisp the Skin
- Dry the skin by briefly frying it without oil. This helps to crisp the skin.
Step 3. Roast the Pork Belly
- Turn up the heat (in your air fryer or pan) and fry the pork belly for about 20 minutes.
- Flip the meat and continue frying for another 10 minutes, checking frequently. For extra crispiness, fry for another 3-4 minutes at the highest heat (200 degrees Celsius in an air fryer).
Step 4. Serve
- Once crispy, slice and serve.
- Add chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, or fish sauce as desired.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Don't marinate the skin with spices; salt and vinegar are sufficient for crispiness.
- Marinating the meat separately ensures the skin stays crisp.
- Drying the meat and skin before frying is crucial for extra crispiness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-700
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 2-5g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. How do I get perfectly crispy pork belly skin?
Score the skin deeply, pat it very dry, and season generously with salt. Roast at a high temperature initially to render the fat and crisp the skin.
2. What's the best way to check if the pork belly is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the meat; it should reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F (90-93°C) for tender, juicy pork.
This simple recipe delivers a truly exceptional roast pork belly, exceeding expectations with minimal effort. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the skin and the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the meat – perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this delicious masterpiece!