Crispy Roasted Pork Belly

This crispy roasted pork belly has irresistibly crunchy crackling and juicy, flavorful meat. It’s perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal and pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) pork belly, skin on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus extra for the skin)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the pork belly completely dry with paper towels. Score the skin with a sharp knife, cutting through the skin but not into the meat.
2. Rub the meat side with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme.
3. Rub extra salt into the scored skin.
4. Place the pork belly uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator for 8–24 hours to help dry the skin for extra-crispy crackling (optional, but recommended).
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
6. Place the pork belly skin-side up on a wire rack set over a baking tray.
7. Roast for 30 minutes to blister and crisp the skin.
8. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for 60–75 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C) for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
9. If needed, broil for 2–3 minutes to further crisp the crackling, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Let the pork belly rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30–45 minutes
• Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours (excluding overnight drying)

Servings: 6

Tips

• The drier the skin, the crispier the crackling.
• Don’t let oil or marinade touch the skin, as moisture can prevent it from crisping.
• Use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Leftover pork belly is delicious in tacos, ramen, fried rice, sandwiches, or salads.

Serving Suggestions

• Roasted potatoes
• Garlic butter green beans
• Steamed rice
• Apple sauce
• Coleslaw
• Pickled vegetables