Sam’s Super Crispy Pork Belly

Creating the perfect Chinese-style crispy skin pork belly at home is a culinary adventure that rewards you with a dish of contrasting textures and deep flavors. This recipe will guide you through achieving that iconic crispy skin and succulent meat, reminiscent of the best Chinese restaurants. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Pork Belly:

• 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs) pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (for the skin)
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (for the meat)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly:

   • Begin by patting the pork belly dry with paper towels. Score the skin of the pork belly with sharp knife, making sure not to cut into the meat.
   • In a small bowl, mix together the Chinese five-spice powder, salt (for the meat), sugar, and ground white pepper. Rub this mixture onto the meat side of the pork belly, avoiding the skin.
   • In another bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade and apply it to the meat side as well. Let the pork belly marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

2. Preheat your Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

3. Prepare for Roasting:

   • Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and pat the skin dry. Rub the coarse sea salt over the skin, which helps draw out moisture.
   • Place the pork belly on a rack in a roasting pan, skin-side up. The rack will ensure heat circulates evenly around the pork belly.

4. Roast the Pork Belly:

   • Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.

5. Crisp the Skin:

   • Increase the oven temperature to 240°C (460°F) and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is puffed and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is juicy.
   • Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese-style crispy skin pork belly with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave the rich flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine.