Introduction

Chinese Crispy Pork Belly is a delectable dish that features tender pork meat surrounded by a layer of crispy, crackling skin. This traditional dish is beloved for its rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. With the right preparation and cooking methods, you can achieve that mouthwatering crispy layer while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Let’s dive into the ingredients and process to create this culinary delight.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Pork Belly – 1 kg
Salt – 1 tablespoon
Five Spice Powder – 1 teaspoon
White Pepper – 1 teaspoon
Rice Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
Water – 500 ml
Sugar – 1 teaspoon

Prep Time

The prep time for Chinese Crispy Pork Belly is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to season the meat and prepare it for cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 people

With patience and attention to detail, making Chinese Crispy Pork Belly can become a rewarding experience, offering a delicious dish that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every crispy bite and the burst of flavors it brings!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preparing the Pork Belly

Start with a piece of pork belly that weighs approximately 1.5 to 2 kg (3 to 4 lbs). Score the skin with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. Make evenly spaced cuts about 1 cm apart.

Marinating the Pork

Rub the scored skin with rock salt, ensuring you get salt into the cuts. Flip the pork over and season the meat side with five-spice powder, sugar, and white pepper. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Drying the Skin

After marinating, pat the skin dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin. Leave the pork belly uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the skin to dry out further.

Preparing to Roast

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place a rack in a roasting pan and add water to the bottom of the pan, ensuring the water does not touch the pork. This will keep the meat moist.

Roasting the Pork Belly

Position the pork belly skin-side up on the rack. Roast for approximately 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on it, and if necessary, add more water to the pan during roasting.

Increasing the Heat for Crispiness

After 1.5 hours, increase the oven temperature to 240°C (464°F) for about 20-30 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. The skin should puff up and become golden and crispy.

Resting and Serving

Once the pork belly is crispy, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices are redistributed. Slice with a sharp knife along the scored lines.

Notes

Choosing the Right Pork Belly

For the best results, select pork belly that has a good balance of meat and fat with a firm skin.

Marinating Time

Longer marination will enhance the flavor, though even a short marination will yield delicious results.

Skin Preparation

Ensure the skin is as dry as possible for the crispiest outcome. A dehydrator can also be used if available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crispy pork belly with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Cook techniques

Preparing the Pork Belly

Start by selecting a quality piece of pork belly with an even distribution of meat and fat.

Scoring the Skin

Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the skin of the pork belly. This helps the skin to crisp up during cooking.

Marinating

Marinate the pork belly with a combination of salt and other spices to enhance flavor.

Boiling the Pork

Briefly boil the pork belly to help render some of the fat and start the cooking process before roasting.

Drying the Skin

Pat the skin dry thoroughly after boiling, which is essential for achieving crispy crackling.

Roasting

Roast the pork belly in a hot oven to get the skin crispy while keeping the meat tender.

Resting the Meat

Allow the pork belly to rest after cooking. This helps the juices distribute evenly throughout the meat.

FAQ

How do I ensure the skin gets crispy?

Make sure to dry the skin thoroughly and score it properly before cooking.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

While pork belly is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts, but the results may vary.

What spices can I use in the marinade?

You can use a variety of spices such as five-spice powder, garlic powder, or any savory herbs you prefer.

How long should I roast the pork belly?

Roasting times can vary, typically around 30-40 minutes at a high temperature for the crispiness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pork belly ahead of time and reheat it in the oven to keep the skin crispy.

Conclusion

The Chinese crispy pork belly is a delicious dish that delivers an irresistible crunch and succulent meat. Perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked, it’s a showstopper for any meal. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy those who love bold flavors and textures.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Steamed Buns

Serve the crispy pork belly in fluffy steamed buns, topped with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce for an exciting and flavorful bite.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Pair the pork belly with a medley of stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, bell peppers, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious side.

Egg Fried Rice

Complement the rich flavors of the pork belly with egg fried rice, which adds a nice texture and absorbs the savory juices beautifully.

Spicy Chili Sauce

Add a kick to your meal by drizzling spicy chili sauce over the crispy pork belly, enhancing its flavor profile with a delightful heat.

Scallion Pancakes

Serve the pork belly alongside crispy scallion pancakes for a crunchy, savory pairing that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the dish.

Cucumber Salad

Balance the richness of the pork belly with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil, providing a light and crunchy contrast.