Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in various ways, but achieving the perfect crispy skin is a challenge many home cooks face. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your channel because it demystifies the process with clear steps and tips, appealing to both novice and experienced cooks. The impressive final result makes for great visuals and an enticing dish that viewers will want to replicate.
Description: This Crispy Pork Belly recipe delivers a beautifully golden, crunchy skin atop tender and juicy meat. The secret lies in a simple but effective preparation process that enhances the natural flavors of the pork, making it a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.
Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 12 hours for marinating)
Cooking time: 2 hours
Serving size: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2.2 lbs pork belly
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Instructions:
- Preparation: Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife. Rub the meat side with garlic, five-spice powder, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Pat the skin dry, then rub it with baking soda and sea salt. Let the pork belly marinate uncovered in the fridge for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork belly on a roasting rack in a baking tray, skin side up. Roast for 1.5 hours.
- Crisping the Skin: Increase the oven temperature to 430°F (220°C) and roast for another 30 minutes, or until the skin is puffed and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serving: Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Final Thoughts: Crispy pork belly is a show-stopping dish that combines an irresistible mix of textures and flavors. Its simplicity, paired with the dramatic transformation of the pork during cooking, makes it a standout recipe for your channel. The mouthwatering visuals will surely captivate your audience, inspiring them to recreate this dish in their own kitchens.
