Pork belly, with its distinct layers of meat and fat topped with crispy skin, is not only a favorite in many culinary traditions but also an ideal centerpiece for a festive Christmas feast. Achieving the ideal balance of crunchy skin while retaining the meat’s juiciness can elevate your holiday meal. Today, we’ll delve into the nuances of preparing the ultimate oven-roasted crispy pork belly that’s sure to be a Christmas hit.
Pork Belly Crispy Skin
For many, the journey to perfect pork belly centers around the skin. Traditional techniques often involve scoring, which can disrupt the skin’s integrity during slicing. However, a transformative process has emerged: the salt crust method.
The Salt Crust
Using a salt crust is a revelation in pork belly preparation. A crust is formed by blanketing the pork belly skin with salt during the initial cooking phase. Once removed post-baking, the skin beneath is seasoned just right, ready to achieve its crispy potential without becoming overly salty.
Flavor Infusion: The Marinade
Beyond the skin’s texture, the meat’s flavor profile is paramount. A thoughtful marinade ensures a depth of taste in every bite. The blend of soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, brown sugar, and garlic creates a rich tapestry of flavors that enrich the meat.
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
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2 lb pork belly
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1 cup table salt
For the Marinade:
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¼ cup soy sauce
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⅓ cup Shaoxing rice wine
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp five-spice powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Belly
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Use a sharp knife to score the skin lightly in a crosshatch or straight-line pattern, being careful not to cut through to the meat.
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Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels — this is key for achieving a crispy finish.
2. Marinate
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, garlic, and five-spice powder until well combined.
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Place the pork belly, skin side up, in a rectangular dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure only the meat is submerged, not the skin.
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Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the flavors soak in and the skin dry out.
3. Bake (First Roast)
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a roasting pan with foil, then pour about 1 inch of water into the bottom. Place a wire rack over the pan.
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Position the pork belly on the rack, skin side up, ensuring it is level for even crisping.
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Cover the skin evenly with 1 cup of salt, pressing it down to form a crust.
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Roast for 40 minutes in the top half of the oven.
4. Crisp the Skin
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Remove the pork belly from the oven and carefully brush off the hardened salt crust. Wipe the skin with a dry paper towel to remove any remaining salt.
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Increase the oven temperature to 465°F (240°C).
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Return the pork belly to the oven and roast for another 25–30 minutes, or until the skin is golden, bubbly, and crisp.
5. Rest and Slice
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Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes to lock in the juices.
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Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
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Dry Skin is Key: For extra crispy results, leave the pork belly uncovered in the fridge overnight.
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Level Placement: Make sure the pork belly sits flat during roasting to ensure even crisping.
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Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or ground Sichuan pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick.
Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
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Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Total Time: ~7 hours (including marinating time)
Crispy Pork Belly Variations to Try:
- Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage to the marinade for a herbaceous twist.
- Spicy Kick: Introduce chili flakes, sriracha, or a touch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy edge.
- Sweet and Tangy: Incorporate honey, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of molasses into the marinade for a sweet and tangy profile.
- Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of an orange, lemon, or even a lime into the marinade for a zesty undertone.
- Asian Flair: Add a splash of sesame oil, a sprinkle of ginger powder, and a touch of hoisin sauce to the marinade for an Asian-inspired flavor.
- Mediterranean Muse: Introduce a mix of oregano, crushed olives, and a splash of white wine to the marinade for a Mediterranean touch.
- Tropical Twist: Blend in some pineapple juice, grated coconut, and a hint of rum to the marinade for a tropical flavor journey.
