There’s just something about crisp, golden crackling that makes people swoon. Very few people can resist it and although there are a few tips and tricks to getting delicious, crunchy cracking, it’s so simple to make.
What is pork belly?
Pork belly is a fatty cut of meat, literally from the belly of a pig. It is use in many different cuisines around the world. It’s most often used to prepare streaky or American-style bacon and is fantastic roasted whole.
Ingredients
This easy pork belly recipe really only needs 3 ingredients. Good quality pork is sweet, succulent and perfect seasoned generously with salt and pepper. If you however wanted to add more, rubbing the meat (not the skin) of the pork belly with garlic or herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage will add extra flavor.
Pork belly. I prefer cooking deboned belly as it is makes carving very easy. However, if you can’t find deboned, bone-in works just as well. Simply slice the rib bones away once roasted. Salt. I love using smoked salt but good, flaky sea salt (like Maldon) is all you need. Pepper. Freshly cracked pepper is essential.
How to cook pork belly
How to get crispy pork crackling
The trick to crunchy crackling? Dry skin. The skin on the pork belly needs to be very dry for it to be able to bubble and crisp up. Before placing the pork in a hot oven, I rubbed the skin with smoked salt and lots of black pepper. The salt also adds to the crisping of the skin. Starting the roasting at a high heat also allows that initial crisping of the skin to happen. If your pork crackling isn’t as crispy as you want it, place the pork under a hot broiler for a few minutes until it’s done your preference.
Freezing and making ahead
What to serve with pork belly
Pork belly is rich and unctuous so serving a green vegetable like roasted broccoli as a side dish is a good idea. We also love it with creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower cheese or glazed carrots to add some sweetness.
Pork recipes
