Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork belly
skin on or skinless
- 2 teaspoons fine salt
or 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- a few grinds of black pepper
Directions
- 1
For skinless pork belly, move on to the next step. If using skin on pork belly, pat skin dry with a paper towel. With a sharp knife, score through skin every 1/2-inch at a diagonal, cutting through skin and into fat, but not so deep that you hit meat. Repeat cutting in an opposite diagonal to create a diamond shape pattern. (recipe note #1)
- 2
Season pork belly with salt sugar and a few grinds of black pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- 3
Preheat oven to 450°F.
- 4
Roast pork belly for 30 minutes on the middle rack in a heavy, oven-safe pan or skillet, skin side up / fat side up. Reduce heat to 275°F and roast for an hour or more, until tender but not mushy. (Larger pieces of pork belly will take longer. Our one-pound belly was done after an hour at 275°F.)
- 5
Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate until chilled through - at least a few hours and up to 2 days.
- 6
Once chilled, slice into thick pieces and brown in a skillet on the stovetop until crisp. Enjoy alone or in soups, salads, pasta sauces, ramen and more! (recipe note #2)
Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of incredibly crispy pork belly that melts in your mouth? This simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your oven, turning a humble cut into a show-stopping dish.
What sets this oven-roasted pork belly apart is its straightforward approach and perfectly balanced seasoning. Inspired by a culinary master, this recipe tweaks the classic by reducing the salt and sugar, allowing the rich pork flavor to shine without being overwhelmed. It works equally well whether you prefer the delightful crackle of crispy skin or the succulent texture of skinless cuts.
Prepare for an experience where every bite offers a delightful contrast: a deeply savory, tender interior giving way to a wonderfully crispy exterior. The simple seasoning of salt, sugar, and black pepper expertly enhances the natural richness of the pork, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Despite its luxurious taste, the prep work for this roasted pork belly is minimal, making it an approachable project for home cooks seeking impressive results with low hands-on effort.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. While pork belly is rich on its own, you can easily adjust the seasonings to your preference. For a subtle aromatic twist, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a touch of smoked paprika to the rub. Remember, the recipe works beautifully with either skin on or skinless pork belly, allowing you to choose your desired texture based on your preference for that signature crackle.
This succulent oven-roasted pork belly makes a stunning centerpiece for a dinner party or a truly indulgent weekend meal. Serve it thinly sliced alongside steamed greens, rice, or nestled in soft bao buns for a fantastic culinary adventure.