crispy roast pork recipe

Crispy Pork Belly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crispy pork belly, with its golden, crackling skin and tender, juicy meat, is a beloved dish in many cuisines. Here’s a simple guide to achieving perfection at home.

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (skin on), 1 tbsp five-spice powder, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar.

Steps:

1. Prep the Pork: Score the skin in a diamond pattern (about 1cm deep) without cutting into the meat. Pat dry thoroughly—this is key for crispiness.

2. Brine: Rub salt and sugar into the skin and meat, then marinate with five-spice powder, white pepper, and soy sauce for at least 4 hours (or overnight in the fridge).

3. Blanch: Boil the pork in water for 5 minutes, then pat dry again. This tightens the skin.

4. Roast: Preheat oven to 200°C. Place pork on a rack, skin-side up. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 180°C and roast for another 40-50 minutes until the skin puffs and crackles.

5. Crisp Finish: For extra crunch, increase heat to 220°C for 5-10 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving: Pair with sweet chili sauce or a mix of salt and Sichuan pepper. Enjoy the contrast of crunchy skin and melt-in-your-mouth fat!