Perfect Crispy Pork Belly

How to Make Perfect Crispy Pork Belly at Home

Crispy pork belly is a delicious dish loved for its crunchy skin and tender meat. With the right steps, you can achieve that perfect crackling texture at home. Here’s a simple guide to making crispy pork belly from scratch.

Ingredients

2 pieces pork belly (850g each)

1 tsp five-spice powder

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

White distilled vinegar

Additional salt for the skin

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

Start by boiling some water.

Once the water reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat.

Place the pork belly pieces into the hot water, cover the pot, and let them sit for 8 minutes.

After 8 minutes, remove the pork from the water. The skin will now be soft enough to easily pierce with a toothpick.

2. Season the Pork

In a bowl, mix five-spice powder, white pepper, salt, and sugar.

Rub this seasoning mixture all over the meat side of the pork belly.

For the skin, cover it with a generous layer of salt and let it sit for 20 minutes.

3. Dry and Refrigerate

After 20 minutes, you'll notice that the salt has drawn out excess moisture from the pork skin.

Brush the skin with white distilled vinegar to enhance the crisping process.

Place the pork belly uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to dry out further.

4. Roast the Pork Belly

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

Place the pork belly on a wire rack and roast for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (428°F) and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

You’ll hear a satisfying popping sound as the skin turns crispy and golden.

5. Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack.

Slice into bite-sized pieces and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.

Tips for Success

Piercing the Skin: Ensure you poke enough tiny holes in the skin after boiling. This allows the fat to render and the skin to crisp up evenly.

Drying Time: Refrigerating overnight is crucial for drying the skin, which leads to a better crackling.

Temperature Control: Gradually increasing the heat ensures the pork cooks evenly without burning the skin.

With this method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality crispy pork belly right from your kitchen. Try it out and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish!