Nothing beats the crispy delight of perfectly cooked pork belly crackling. Achieving that perfect crunch can sometimes be tricky, but with the right method, you can enjoy this delectable treat at home. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate Perfect Pork Belly Crackling that will have your taste buds singing!
Title: Perfect Pork Belly Crackling
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin on
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp sea salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. With a sharp knife, carefully score the skin of the pork belly in a diamond pattern, making sure to cut through the skin but not into the meat. This will help the fat render and the skin to crisp up.
3. Rub the olive oil all over the pork belly, making sure to coat the skin well. This will help the seasoning stick and promote even browning.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the skin of the pork belly, rubbing it into the scores you made earlier. Make sure to season the sides of the pork belly as well for maximum flavor.
6. Place the seasoned pork belly on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan, ensuring that the skin is facing up. The rack will allow air to circulate around the pork belly, helping it to cook evenly and become crispy.
7. Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial high heat will help the skin start to blister and bubble.
8. After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting the pork belly for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork belly, so keep an eye on it.
9. Once the pork belly crackling is perfectly crispy and the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your Perfect Pork Belly Crackling as a savory and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends with its crispy perfection!
