Crispy Roast Pork Belly!

Crispy Roast Pork Belly Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork belly (skin-on)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for crispier skin)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for extra crispy skin)
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly:

   • Start by scoring the skin of the pork belly using a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern. Be careful not to cut too deep; you want to cut just through the skin and fat, not into the meat. This will help the skin get crispy.
   • Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels, ensuring that the skin is as dry as possible (this is key to getting crispy skin).

2. Seasoning the Pork Belly:

   • Rub the olive oil all over the pork belly.
   • In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme (if using). Rub this seasoning mixture all over the meat, making sure it gets into the cuts in the skin.

3. Crisping the Skin:

   • Optional but recommended: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with a little salt, then rub this directly on the skin. This will help the skin become extra crispy while roasting.
   • Drizzle the vinegar over the skin (this also helps to crisp it up).

4. Roast the Pork Belly:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Place the pork belly on a rack in a roasting pan (this helps air circulate around the pork for even crisping) or directly on a lined baking sheet with the skin side up.
   • Roast the pork belly for 30 minutes at 425°F to start crisping up the skin.
   • Lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the pork belly. The meat should be tender and juicy, and the skin should be golden and crispy.

5. Rest the Meat:

   • Once the pork belly is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

6. Serve:

   • Slice the crispy roast pork belly into pieces and serve with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Crispier Skin: To get the crispiest skin possible, ensure that the skin is dry before seasoning and roasting. You can also pat the skin with paper towels after seasoning to remove any excess moisture.
• Flavor Variations: You can adjust the seasoning to your liking—try adding a little chili powder for heat or some brown sugar for sweetness.
• Resting the Meat: Don’t skip the resting time—it makes a big difference in keeping the pork belly tender.

Enjoy your crispy roast pork belly! The crackling skin, juicy meat, and rich flavors make it a perfect dish for any occasion. 😋