Chinese Crispy Pork Belly: The Perfect Recipe for Home Cooking

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably heard of crispy pork belly. It's a popular dish that's loved for its crispy skin and juicy meat. The dish is made by roasting pork belly until the skin is golden brown and crispy, while the meat remains tender and juicy. In this article, we'll be sharing a recipe for Chinese crispy pork belly that's easy to follow and will yield delicious results.

To make Chinese crispy pork belly, you'll need a few essential ingredients, such as pork belly, five-spice powder, salt, and sugar. You'll also need to follow some preparation techniques, such as scoring the skin of the pork belly and drying it out in the fridge overnight. Then, you'll cook the pork belly using a specific method that will ensure the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked to perfection.

If you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply want to try something new, then this Chinese crispy pork belly recipe is worth trying. It's a dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, let's get started and learn how to make this delicious dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese crispy pork belly is a popular dish loved for its crispy skin and juicy meat.
• To make Chinese crispy pork belly, you'll need essential ingredients such as pork belly, five-spice powder, salt, and sugar.
• Preparation techniques such as scoring the skin of the pork belly and drying it out in the fridge overnight are crucial to achieving the perfect texture.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese crispy pork belly, the ingredients you use can make all the difference in the final result. Here are some essential ingredients you will need to create a delicious and crispy pork belly dish.

Choosing the Right Pork Belly

The first step in making Chinese crispy pork belly is choosing the right cut of pork belly. Look for a piece of pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. The fat is what will render down and create the crispy skin, so you want to make sure there is enough of it. You can also choose to use pork belly with or without the bones - it's up to your personal preference.

Seasonings and Spices

The next step is to season the pork belly with the right combination of spices. A classic Chinese seasoning for pork belly includes salt, sugar, shaoxing wine, five spice powder, and white pepper. You can adjust the amounts of each seasoning to suit your personal taste.

Marinating the pork belly is also an important step to ensure that the flavours penetrate the meat. You can add garlic, ginger, and other aromatics to the marinade to give the pork belly an extra boost of flavour.

Seafood can also be used in the recipe to add an extra layer of flavour. For example, you can use oyster sauce or shrimp paste as a seasoning for the pork belly. Alternatively, you can serve the pork belly with a side of prawns or scallops to complement the dish.

By choosing the right pork belly and using the right combination of seasonings and spices, you can create a delicious and crispy Chinese pork belly dish that will impress your friends and family.

Preparation Techniques

Scoring the Skin

To achieve that crispy, crackling skin on your Chinese crispy pork belly, you need to score the skin. Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut too deep into the meat. This will help the skin to separate from the fat, which is essential for achieving that crispy texture.

Marinating the Meat

After scoring the skin, it's time to marinate the meat. Mix together some white vinegar and salt, and rub the mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to get it into the scored skin. This will help to remove any impurities and also helps to tenderize the meat. You can also add your favourite spices and herbs to the marinade to add flavour to the meat.

Creating the Salt Crust

Before roasting the pork belly, you need to create a salt crust. Cover the bottom of a roasting pan with a layer of rock salt, then place the pork belly on top, skin-side up. Cover the pork belly with another layer of rock salt, making sure to completely cover the skin. This will help to draw out any excess moisture from the skin, which is essential for achieving that crispy texture.

After creating the salt layer, cover the roasting pan with foil and place it in the oven. Roast the pork belly for about 2-3 hours, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply marinate them with the same mixture used for the pork belly and roast them in the same pan along with the pork belly. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the dish and make it even more enjoyable.

Overall, preparing Chinese crispy pork belly requires some patience and attention to detail, but the end result is definitely worth it. With the right preparation techniques and ingredients, you can achieve that perfect crispy skin and tender meat that everyone will love.

Cooking Method

Roasting the Pork Belly

To make the perfect Chinese crispy pork belly, you need to start by roasting it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Remove the pork belly from the fridge and place it onto a large sheet of foil. Fold up the sides of the foil around the pork to enclose it snugly. Transfer the pork to a baking tray and dab the skin with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Brush the skin with vinegar and spread rock salt on the skin (along the foil edges).

Roast the pork belly in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C/160°F. Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Transfer the pork onto a wire rack to cool down and let the juices settle.

Achieving Perfect Crackling

The key to achieving perfect crackling is to dry out the skin of the pork belly. After roasting the pork, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 220°C/425°F. Return the pork to the oven and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

To ensure even cooking, rotate the pork belly occasionally and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the skin is crispy, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

To add an extra layer of flavour, you can use cooking wine or soy sauce to marinate the pork belly before roasting. You can also add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the recipe for a unique twist. However, be sure to use seafood that complements the flavour of the pork belly, such as garlic prawns or ginger scallops.

By following these simple steps, you can create the perfect Chinese crispy pork belly with crispy crackling that will impress your guests.

Serving and Accompaniments

Cutting and Presentation

When serving Chinese crispy pork belly, it is important to cut it into small pieces to make it easier to eat. You can cut it into thin slices and then into smaller pieces. You can also cut it into bite-sized cubes. The crispy skin should be placed on top of the meat to give it an attractive appearance. You can also garnish it with chopped green onions or cilantro.

Sides and Sauces

Chinese crispy pork belly can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Some popular sides include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed buns or Chinese pancakes. For a gluten-free option, you can serve it with steamed rice or vegetables.

As for sauces, hoisin sauce and chilli sauce are popular choices. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Seafood can also be used in the recipe to add more flavour. Shrimp or scallops can be used as a topping or in a stir-fry with the pork belly.

When serving Chinese crispy pork belly as a main course, it can serve up to 4 people. If you are looking to enjoy it at a restaurant, it can be found at many Chinese restaurants.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To ensure that your pork belly stays crispy, store it separately from any sauce or liquid. You can also wrap it in foil or place it on a baking rack to prevent it from getting soggy.

Reheating for Best Results

When you're ready to reheat your pork belly, preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the pork belly on a baking rack and cover it loosely with foil. This will help to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Reheat it for 10-15 minutes or until it's heated through.

If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat your pork belly in the microwave. Place it on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until it's heated through.

For the best results, we recommend reheating your pork belly in the oven. This will help to maintain its crispy texture and prevent it from becoming rubbery. If you have any leftovers, you can also use them to make a delicious stir-fry or add them to a seafood soup for extra flavour. Try adding some prawns or scallops to your soup for a tasty seafood twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure my pork belly turns out crispy when cooked in an air fryer?

To achieve crispy pork belly in an air fryer, it's important to first dry the skin thoroughly with a paper towel. Then, score the skin with a sharp knife and season it with salt. Cook the pork belly in the air fryer at a high temperature for around 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

What's the secret to achieving perfect crackling on pork belly?

The key to perfect crackling on pork belly is to dry the skin thoroughly before cooking. This can be done by leaving the pork belly uncovered in the fridge overnight, or by patting it dry with a paper towel before cooking. Another tip is to score the skin with a sharp knife to help the fat render out and the skin to crisp up.

Can I make a quick and tasty pork belly dish without compromising on flavour?

Yes, you can! One quick and tasty pork belly dish is to marinate the pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic for a few hours, then roast it in the oven until crispy and caramelized. You can also add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the dish for added flavour and texture.

What are the steps to make crispy pork belly using a slow cooker?

To make crispy pork belly using a slow cooker, first season the pork belly with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Place the pork belly in the slow cooker with some garlic and ginger, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the slow cooker and place it under the grill for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.

Why is vinegar used in some pork belly recipes, and how does it affect the skin?

Vinegar is often used in pork belly recipes to help tenderize the meat and to add flavour. When used on the skin, vinegar can help to break down the proteins and make the skin more crispy. However, too much vinegar can make the skin tough, so it's important to use it in moderation.

Is there a trick to getting crispy pork belly without it being too dry?

Yes, there is! One trick is to cook the pork belly at a low temperature for a longer period of time, which allows the fat to render out slowly and keeps the meat moist. Another tip is to baste the pork belly with its own fat during cooking to keep it moist and flavourful. Adding seafood such as prawns or squid to the dish can also help to keep the pork belly moist and add extra flavour.