Oven Recipe : Pork Belly

 

Pork belly is a popular cut of meat that has grown in popularity in recent years, and it's simple to imagine, why. When cooked properly, it produces an irresistible combination of crunchy crackling and juicy, soft meat. While there are numerous ways to prepare pork belly, baking it in the oven is one of the simplest and most reliable. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, mastering the technique of baking pork belly will surprise your family and friends. We'll look at how to roast pork belly in the oven to get the perfect texture and flavour every time in this blog.

 

I. Pork Belly Selection and Preparation for Oven Cooking

Before you begin baking your pork belly, you must first select the appropriate cut of meat and prepare it properly. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Look for pork belly with an average meat-to-fat ratio. A meat-to-fat ratio of 70% is great.
• Select pork belly with a thick, uniform coating of fat. This will help in the creation of crispy crackling.
• Score the skin of the pork belly to help it crisp up during cooking.
• Season the pork belly skin with kosher salt and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours before cooking.
• Remove your pork belly from the fridge after at least 24 hours. ONLY season one side of the pork with Kosmos Q Killer Honey Bee BBQ rub.

 

 

• For added flavour, season the skin with more salt.

 

 

II. Pork Belly Oven Cooking Techniques

You may roast pork belly in the oven using a variety of approaches, each with its own set of advantages. Here are three approaches to consider:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F or 162°C and roast the pork belly for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 199°F or 93°C. This technique yields soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a crispy outside.

 

 

2. Preheat the oven to 450°F/232°C and roast the pork belly for 20-30 minutes, or until it's crispy and browned on the outside. Reduce the heat to 325°F and cook for another 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 199°F/93°C. This technique yields crispy skin and delicate meat.

 

 

3. Combination method: Preheat the oven to 350°F and roast the pork belly for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to 275°F and cook for another 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 199°F (93°C). This approach combines the advantages of slow-roasting and high-heat cooking.

 

III. How to Cook Perfectly Cooked Pork Belly

• There are a few things you should keep in mind to guarantee that your pork belly is perfectly cooked:
• Check the internal temperature of the pork belly with a meat thermometer. Before you remove it from the oven, it should have reached 199°F or 93°C. Another useful test is to probe the pork belly meat for doneness. It should go through like butter.
• Allow the pork belly to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This distributes the liquids, resulting in soft, juicy meat.

 

 

IV. Pork Belly Serving Suggestions

Pork belly can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some classic and unique serving suggestions:

• For a typical comfort food meal, serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and gravy.
• For a refreshing salad, slice the pork belly and serve it on a bed of greens with a tart vinaigrette.
• Make sandwiches or tacos with the leftover pork belly.

Cooking pork belly in the oven is a tasty and satisfying experience. You can get properly cooked pork belly every time by following the strategies and procedures indicated in this blog, with crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat. Whether you're throwing a dinner party or preparing a special a meal for your family, pork belly is a flexible and spectacular dish that will not disappoint. Don't be afraid to experiment with seasonings and serving recommendations, and most importantly, have fun when preparing this excellent cut of meat. You'll be a pork belly pro in no time if you practise!

 

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by: Michael Wilkie