Crispy Golden Pork Belly
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork belly
- 1 cup table salt
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup shaoxing rice wine
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
you can replace with sugar substitute for low carb or keto
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
Directions
- 1
Using a paper towel, pat skin of pork belly until it is completely dry. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl and then pour into a rectangular pan that is big enough to hold the pork belly. Place pork belly into the pan, making sure only the meat touches the marinade and the skin stays completely dry. If the marinade level is too high you can pour some of it out. Place in fridge for several hours or overnight.
- 2
Preheat oven to 350°F. Completely line a roasting pan with foil (this will make clean-up much easier). Pour 1 inch of water into bottom of pan. Place wire rack on top of roasting pan to hold the pork belly. Place the pork belly on the wire rack. The pork belly will cook above the water, with the pork drippings dripping down below into the water. Make sure the pork belly is level (if one part is lower/shorter the skin will not cook evenly. if you have to, use something oven-safe to prop up a shorter part to keep it completely level). Spread 1 cup of salt evenly across the pork belly skin. Place into top half of oven. Bake for about 40 minutes until meat looks cooked.
- 3
Remove pork belly and increase oven temperature to 465°F. The salt that was poured over pork belly should have formed a crust. Remove salt crust from pork belly. Wipe off any excess salt from the pork belly skin. Once oven has reached desired temperature, place pork belly back into oven. Bake for another 30 minutes until skin is completely bubbly and crisp. Let pork belly cool a few minutes before cutting and serving.
Crispy Golden Pork Belly
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About this Recipe
Craving that perfectly crisp, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly you find at your favorite restaurants? This Crispy Golden Pork Belly recipe brings that indulgent experience right to your kitchen, promising a show-stopping dish with incredible flavor and texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by focusing on a beautiful balance of savory and aromatic notes, creating a rich flavor profile. The secret to achieving that coveted crispy golden skin and tender meat lies in the strategic use of salt, which works alongside a deeply flavorful marinade featuring soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, brown sugar, and aromatic garlic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering a memorable culinary experience.
What to Expect
Prepare for an irresistible combination of textures: a top layer that shatters with an audible crunch, giving way to succulent, tender meat below. The taste is a harmonious blend of umami from the soy sauce, a subtle sweetness from the brown sugar, and a complex aroma imparted by the Shaoxing wine and fresh garlic. This rich, satisfying dish is perfect for those who appreciate robust flavors and luxurious textures. For those managing their diet, this recipe easily adapts to be low-carb or keto-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy.
Customization & Variations
One of the most straightforward modifications you can make is swapping the brown sugar for a sugar substitute if you're aiming for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal, without compromising on flavor. You can also adjust the amount of minced garlic to suit your preference, adding more for a bolder aromatic punch or slightly less for a milder essence.
Serving & Context
This Crispy Golden Pork Belly makes an excellent centerpiece for a special family dinner or a gathering with friends. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed rice or a fresh, crisp salad to balance its richness. Serve it sliced into thick pieces to showcase its stunning layers.