Crispy Five-Spice Roast Pork Belly
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Crispy Five-Spice Roast Pork Belly, a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and aromatic spices. The tender meat is infused with a fragrant five-spice rub, while the skin crisps to perfection, creating a satisfying crackle with each bite. Serve this dish alongside vibrant, sautéed greens and steaming rice to create a stunning centerpiece for your dinner table. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe promises to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
4
Servings
500
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork belly
1.75 kg (bones left in and scored)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled)
black peppercorns
1 teaspoon (whole)
sea salt
1 tablespoon (fine)
five-spice powder
2 teaspoons (ready to use)
bok choy or other fresh greens
3 cups (washed and chopped)
peanut oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
oyster sauce
2 tablespoons (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
2
Pat the pork belly with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture.
3
In a pestle and mortar, combine the peeled garlic, black peppercorns, sea salt, and five-spice powder. Grind them together to form a fragrant paste.
4
Place the pork belly in a baking dish, skin-side down. Rub the prepared spice mix all over the flesh of the pork.
5
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and allow it to marinate in a cool place for at least 4 hours or, preferably, overnight to enhance the flavor.
6
After marinating, turn the pork belly skin-side up and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes to crisp up the skin.
7
Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for an additional 50-60 minutes. Ensure that the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
8
If the skin isn’t crispy enough, move the pork to the top shelf for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
9
Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes.
10
While the pork rests, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the greens for 3-4 minutes until tender yet still crisp. Drain the greens.
11
In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of water, peanut oil, and oyster sauce. Bring to a quick boil before adding the drained greens. Toss to coat and turn off the heat.
12
Slice the pork along the bones and serve hot alongside the sautéed greens and steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Five-Spice Roast Pork Belly?
It is a savory dish featuring tender pork belly infused with aromatic five-spice rub and topped with a perfectly crispy crackled skin.
What ingredients are needed for the spice rub?
The rub consists of peeled garlic cloves, black peppercorns, fine sea salt, and five-spice powder.
How do you prepare the spice mix?
Use a pestle and mortar to grind the garlic, peppercorns, salt, and five-spice powder together into a fragrant paste.
How much pork belly does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for 1.75 kg of pork belly with the bones left in and the skin scored.
Why is it important to pat the pork dry?
Patting the pork with a kitchen towel removes excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispier skin during the roasting process.
Where should the spice rub be applied?
The spice rub should be applied all over the flesh of the pork while the pork is placed skin-side down in the baking dish.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should marinate for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight in a cool place is preferred to enhance the flavor.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) for the initial roasting phase.
How should the pork be positioned in the oven initially?
After marinating, turn the pork belly skin-side up and place it in the preheated oven.
How long is the initial high-heat roast?
Roast the pork at 220°C for 30 minutes to ensure the skin becomes crispy.
What is the secondary roasting temperature?
After the initial 30 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
How much longer does the pork cook at the lower temperature?
Continue roasting at 180°C for an additional 50-60 minutes.
How can you tell if the pork belly is fully cooked?
The pork is done when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife.
What if the skin is not crispy enough after the total cooking time?
You can move the pork to the top shelf of the oven for the final 15 minutes of cooking to further crisp the skin.
Why is resting the meat necessary?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the pork remains tender and juicy when sliced.
How long should the pork rest before serving?
Let the pork rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What type of greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests 3 cups of bok choy or other fresh greens, washed and chopped.
How are the greens prepared for serving?
Boil the greens for 3-4 minutes, drain them, and then toss them in a mixture of water, peanut oil, and oyster sauce.
What sauce is used to season the greens?
Oyster sauce is used to provide a savory glaze for the greens.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the estimated calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 37.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides about 30g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
What should I serve with the crispy pork belly?
It is best served alongside steaming rice and the sautéed greens provided in the recipe.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings, holidays, or special occasions.
How should the pork belly be sliced?
Once rested, slice the pork belly carefully along the bones.
What kind of oil is recommended for cooking the greens?
Peanut oil is recommended for sautéing the greens.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include roast pork, five-spice, Asian cuisine, and holiday recipe.
Can I use pre-ground five-spice powder?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of ready-to-use five-spice powder.