Crispy Skin Pork Belly

This Crispy Skin Pork Belly is the ultimate indulgence – a perfect balance of tender, juicy meat and perfectly crisped crackling. The rich flavors from the roasted vegetables and chicken stock elevate the dish, creating a truly mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a comforting Sunday roast, this pork belly will impress every time.

The key to achieving that perfect crispy skin is ensuring that the pork belly is patted dry before cooking and roasting it at a high temperature initially. Once you’ve mastered that, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavors to your taste. This recipe can be paired with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork belly, skin on
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon fennel seeds

2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 onion, quartered

1 carrot, roughly chopped
1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 240°C (475°F).

Score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern using a sharp knife. Pat dry with paper towels.
Rub olive oil all over the pork belly, followed by sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fennel seeds.
Place garlic, rosemary, onion, carrot, and celery into a roasting pan, creating a bed for the pork belly.

Place the pork belly on top of the vegetables, skin side up. Roast for 30 minutes at 240°C (475°F).
Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice into portions, ensuring the skin remains crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

The history of pork belly dates back centuries, and it has been a beloved ingredient in numerous cultures. In ancient times, pork was considered a symbol of prosperity, and its rich flavor was used to create hearty dishes, especially during winter months when heavier, filling meals were required to keep people warm and satisfied.

The specific technique of roasting pork belly with its skin on to achieve crispy crackling likely originated in Northern Europe, with countries like the United Kingdom and Germany playing a key role in perfecting this method. In the UK, roast pork belly with crackling is a traditional Sunday dinner favorite, and it has become a mainstay in pubs and homes alike. This dish gained popularity due to its balance of flavor, texture, and cost-effectiveness.

In Asian cuisines, pork belly has also had a significant presence. For example, in China, it’s often braised in soy sauce with spices for a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and in Korea, Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) is served as a popular BBQ dish. The crackling method for cooking pork belly, however, remains most popular in Western-style cooking, where it is often paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches.

Variations and Adaptations

While the basic recipe for crispy skin pork belly typically involves roasting with seasonings like salt, pepper, and sometimes fennel, there are plenty of regional and personal variations to explore.

Asian-Inspired Pork Belly: In many Asian cultures, pork belly is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes brown sugar, giving it a sweet, savory, and umami flavor profile. The skin may not always be crisped up in these versions, but it still offers a rich, fatty bite that’s adored by many.
Spice Rubs: In various parts of the world, different spice rubs are used to season the pork belly. For example, a mixture of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder can create a smoky and spicy twist on the classic roast. Some cooks even incorporate sugar to caramelize the skin for an extra crispy finish.

Slow-Roasting: Some variations of crispy skin pork belly involve slow-roasting the meat at a lower temperature for a longer time, which results in ultra-tender meat while still achieving a crispy exterior. This method is often preferred when serving the pork belly as a pull-apart dish, especially in certain Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisines.
Beer-Braised Pork Belly: Another delicious variation of crispy pork belly is braising the meat in beer or cider before roasting. The braising liquid infuses the meat with rich flavors, and then, as the skin crisps up in the oven, you get a beautiful combination of tender meat and crunchy, flavorful crackling.

No matter how you prepare it, pork belly is a versatile meat that lends itself to countless adaptations based on personal taste and the flavors you prefer.

Nutritional Information

Pork belly is rich in both protein and fat, making it a calorie-dense dish that should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values for a typical serving of crispy skin pork belly (around 150g of cooked pork belly):

Calories: Approximately 480-550 kcal per serving
Protein: 35-40g
Fat: 40-45g (including healthy monounsaturated fats, but also saturated fat)

Carbohydrates: 0-1g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 500-600mg (depending on seasoning)

While pork belly is a great source of protein, it is also high in fat, particularly saturated fat. Therefore, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of your diet. However, it’s a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins (particularly B12) and zinc, which are important for energy production and immune function.

To make the dish a little healthier, consider pairing it with fresh vegetables or a light salad to balance out the richness of the meat. Additionally, you can try using less fatty cuts of pork, such as pork loin, although you may lose some of the crispy crackling factor that makes this dish so iconic.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Crispy Skin Pork Belly is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Its rich flavor and crispy texture make it an ideal match for lighter, fresher dishes that help balance out the meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

Roasted Vegetables: Pair your pork belly with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. The earthy flavors of these vegetables complement the savory richness of the pork belly, while the soft texture contrasts with the crispy skin.
Apple Sauce: A classic pairing for roast pork, the sweet and tangy flavor of apple sauce helps cut through the richness of the pork belly, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit with roast meats. The smoothness of the potatoes balances the crunchiness of the skin, and you can even drizzle some of the roasting juices over the top for added flavor.

Crisp Salad: A light, zesty salad made with mixed greens, apple slices, and a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the pork belly. The acidity of the dressing will help cleanse the palate between bites of rich, tender pork.

For beverages, pair your pork belly with a robust red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon, which has the tannin structure to stand up to the richness of the pork. Alternatively, a cold glass of cider or a dark beer can also complement the dish wonderfully.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Dry the Skin Well: Before cooking, make sure to pat the skin of the pork belly completely dry. Moisture will prevent it from crisping up during roasting, so this step is crucial for achieving the perfect crackling.
Score the Skin: Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the fat to render out more efficiently and help the skin crisp up beautifully.
High Initial Temperature: Start roasting at a high temperature to crisp the skin, then lower the heat to cook the meat through without burning the crackling.

Let It Rest: After roasting, let the pork belly rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy bite.
Baste for Flavor: If you’re using a pan with vegetables or aromatics, baste the pork belly with its own juices every 20 minutes. This enhances the flavor of the meat and adds moisture to the surrounding veggies.

Potential Health Benefits

Despite being a high-fat dish, pork belly can offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The meat is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. Additionally, pork belly contains healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Furthermore, the skin of the pork belly contains collagen, which can be beneficial for joint health, skin elasticity, and overall tissue repair. While the high fat content might make it a less ideal choice for those on low-fat diets, it can be a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal when paired with healthy sides.

Conclusion

Crispy Skin Pork Belly is a dish that combines indulgence with rich history, making it a popular choice for those looking to create a show-stopping meal. Whether you enjoy it as part of a festive feast or as a weekend roast, its crispy skin and tender meat make it a crowd-pleaser every time. With endless variations and pairings to suit every taste, it’s a recipe worth trying at least once. So, fire up your oven, get that skin crispy, and enjoy a dish that never goes out of style!