Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

Today, I'm going to make a delicious dish using pork belly. It's called Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, and it has a crispy texture and a savory flavor. The preparation is simple, making it perfect for gatherings and sharing with friends. The experience is truly amazing.

Whenever we talk about Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, the most common questions are how to make the pork belly crispy and how to roast it to perfection so that the fat becomes very tender and the meat is juicy. Below, I'll share some essential knowledge about Roasted Crispy Pork Belly to help you create this delicious dish more effectively:

1. What is Roasted Crispy Pork Belly?

Roasted Crispy Pork Belly is a delicious and enticing traditional Chinese dish. It's typically made using pork belly with distinct layers of fat and meat, providing a rich and juicy texture. This simple home-style dish features a crispy skin and tender meat, making it savory and delightful. It's now popular in many countries and regions, especially in China, where Roasted Crispy Pork Belly has become a trendy dish in numerous cities.

2. Is it necessary to use pork belly?

In principle, yes. As the name Roasted Crispy Pork Belly suggests, the main ingredient is pork belly. In my opinion, pork belly is the best choice for this dish because it has a thick skin and a balanced distribution of fat and lean meat. After roasting, it ensures that the meat is neither too dry nor too greasy.

3. How to Choose the Perfect Pork Belly?

Choosing the right pork belly is a crucial step towards making the perfect Roasted Crispy Pork Belly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting pork belly:

To ensure the best taste, always buy fresh pork belly. Fresh pork belly retains more nutrients and moisture, resulting in better texture and flavor.

Pay attention to the ratio of fat to lean meat. While it's important to choose pork belly with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, the lean meat should be slightly more than the fat. This balance prevents the dish from being too greasy. However, make sure the lean meat isn't too much more than the fat; a ratio where the lean meat is about one-third more than the fat is ideal. This way, the Roasted Crispy Pork Belly won't turn out too dry.

4. Pork Belly Marinade

Marinating the pork belly is essential to achieve a delicious flavor. I use common Chinese seasonings for the marinade, such as cooking wine (or dry sherry or mirin), five-spice powder, salt, and white pepper. These ingredients infuse the pork belly with a subtle and delightful taste.

5. Is Roasted Crispy Pork Belly the Same as Barbecue?

Many people think that Roasted Crispy Pork Belly and barbecue pork belly are the same, but they are actually quite different.

Although both Roasted Crispy Pork Belly and barbecue are common meat cooking methods and share some similarities, they differ in cooking techniques, ingredient choices, and final presentation. Roasted Crispy Pork Belly refers to a specific cooking method where pork belly is specially prepared to achieve a crispy outer skin while maintaining a tender and juicy interior.

On the other hand, barbecue is a broader term that refers to meat dishes cooked by grilling. Barbecue can include various types of meat and cooking methods, such as Korean barbecue and Japanese barbecue, which may use different seasonings and cooking equipment.

6. What to Pair with Roasted Crispy Pork Belly?

Before serving Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, it's best to cut it into small pieces for easier consumption. Considering that Roasted Crispy Pork Belly can be quite rich, I usually recommend pairing it with lettuce, which is my favorite combination. Dipping it in a homemade sauce enhances the flavor wonderfully. You can also pair it with cucumbers, carrots, or any other refreshing foods you like to balance the richness.

I believe you now have a good understanding of how to make delicious Roasted Crispy Pork Belly. Let's get started and make it together!