How To Cook Pork Belly In Oven

How to Cook Pork Belly in the Oven

If you’re a fan of succulent and crispy pork belly, then learning how to cook it in the oven is a game-changer! Oven-roasted pork belly is a delicious and impressive dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a flavorful ingredient in various recipes. With a few simple steps, you can achieve tender meat with a perfectly crispy skin. So, let’s dive into the process of cooking pork belly in the oven.

What You’ll Need

• 1-2 pounds of pork belly
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• A baking dish or tray
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• A wire rack

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat dry the pork belly using a paper towel. This step is essential to promote crispiness.
3. Score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern using a sharp knife. This helps render the fat and creates a nice texture.
4. Season the pork belly generously with salt and pepper, ensuring that the seasoning reaches the scored skin.
5. Place the pork belly, skin side up, on a wire rack set inside a baking dish or tray. The rack helps air circulation and prevents the meat from sitting in its own juices, resulting in a crispy skin.
6. Cover the pork belly loosely with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This prevents the skin from burning while allowing the meat to cook evenly.
7. Put the pork belly in the preheated oven and roast for 60-90 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork belly. To ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Once the pork belly is cooked, remove the foil or parchment paper and increase the oven temperature to broil. This step will help achieve a crispier skin.
9. Return the pork belly to the oven and broil for 5-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
10. Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
11. Serve and enjoy your deliciously cooked pork belly! It pairs well with steamed rice, vegetables, or even in sandwiches.

Now that you know how to cook pork belly in the oven, it’s time to get creative with your flavors. You can marinate the pork belly beforehand with your favorite spices or glaze it with a sweet and tangy sauce during the final minutes of roasting. The possibilities are endless!

Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a tasty meal, oven-roasted pork belly is sure to impress. So give it a try and savor the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!