Indulge in the rich, succulent flavor of perfectly roasted pork belly, a dish that effortlessly blends crispy crackling with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This culinary masterpiece, a true celebration of simple ingredients elevated to extraordinary heights, is surprisingly easier to achieve than you might think. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times – our recipe focuses on maximizing flavor and texture with minimal fuss, resulting in a dish that's both impressive and satisfying. The aromatic blend of spices and the satisfying crunch of the skin are guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
This recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful pork belly with incredibly crispy skin, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget dry, tough pork; this method ensures a succulent result every time. Ready to transform a humble cut of meat into a show-stopping feast? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide and create your own masterpiece of crispy roasted pork belly.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Fork
- Frying pan
- Basket
- Microwave (optional)
- Charcoal stove (optional)
Ingredients
- Pork belly (boneless or regular): 500g
- Rice vermicelli
- Soy sauce
- MSG
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Herbs
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Carrot
- Five-spice powder
- Cooking oil
- Salt
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Chili: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon juice
- Fresh coconut water
- Fish sauce
- Honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Blanch the pork belly in boiling water, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water. This helps to clean and reduce shrinkage.
- Boil the pork belly again for about 10 minutes with shallots, MSG, and salt. Keep the lid open while boiling.
- After boiling, plunge the pork belly in cold water to prevent it from turning black.
- Drain the pork belly and prepare the marinade. Crush and roughly chop the onion, garlic, and lemongrass. Mix them with soy sauce, five-spice powder, cooking oil, and MSG.
- Use a fork to prick the pork skin to help the marinade penetrate. Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor absorption).
Step 2. Roast the Pork Belly
- To prevent oil splattering while frying, mix boxed salt with water until dissolved. Pour this mixture over the pork skin before frying.
- Fry the pork belly over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping frequently, until cooked through.
- Brush the cooked pork with honey and return to the pan for another minute to glaze.
Step 3. Make the Dipping Sauce
- Prepare the fish sauce by mixing sugar, MSG, chili, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and fresh coconut water. Adjust the sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and spiciness to your liking.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the roasted pork belly with rice vermicelli, herbs, lettuce, cucumber, and carrot. Dip the pork in the fish sauce for extra flavor.
Read more: Authentic Vietnamese Fish Noodle Soup (Bun Ca Nuc) Recipe
Tips
- For grilling, marinate the pork for at least 24 hours with honey and herbs. Brush with honey and salt water while grilling for about an hour for crispy skin.
- If you don't finish the roasted pork, store it in portions in a zip bag in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Add fried green onions for extra aroma and flavor. You can use lard or cooking oil for frying.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. How do I achieve perfectly crispy pork belly skin?
Score the skin deeply but not through the meat. Pat it completely dry before seasoning and roasting. A high oven temperature (at least 400°F/200°C) helps render the fat and crisp the skin. Consider placing the pork belly on a rack to allow air circulation underneath.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The roasted pork belly can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. The rice vermicelli is best made fresh, but you can cook it ahead and reheat it as well.
This simple yet impressive recipe for crispy roasted pork belly with rice vermicelli is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of textures and flavors is unforgettable, leaving you wanting more. Enjoy this delicious meal, and don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your dish!