Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly

Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly is a showstopping dish featuring succulent, tender meat beneath a perfectly golden, crunchy layer of crackling skin. With simple ingredients and slow oven roasting, this pork belly recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible texture contrast – juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat and ultra-crispy skin
• Simple prep with stunning results
• Perfect for entertaining or a weekend treat
• Pairs well with both classic and bold sides
• Leftovers are delicious and versatile

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork belly slab, skin on (about 2–3 lbs)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves (optional, for flavor)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for aroma)

Directions

1. Dry the Pork Belly
   Pat the pork belly completely dry with paper towels. Place it uncovered on a rack and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) to dry out the skin.
2. Score the Skin (Optional)
   Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern or straight lines, being careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Season and Preheat
   Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Rub the flesh side of the pork belly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Leave the skin dry or rub with a thin layer of salt only.
4. Slow Roast
   Place the pork belly skin-side up on a wire rack over a roasting tray. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
5. Crisp the Skin
   Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Roast for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the skin is puffed and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Slice
   Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes. Slice with a serrated knife and serve with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight drying)
• Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Total Time: Approx. 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Asian-style: Add five-spice powder, soy sauce, and garlic to the marinade for a Chinese twist
• Herb-roasted: Use a rub of garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest for Mediterranean flair
• Sweet glaze: Brush with maple syrup or honey during the final 10 minutes of roasting for a sweet-savory finish
• Chili-crusted: Add crushed chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy version

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp the skin
• Freezing: Freeze cooked slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven

FAQs

Why is my pork belly skin not crispy?

The skin must be thoroughly dry before roasting. Refrigerating uncovered overnight helps achieve that crispy crackling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook it in advance and crisp the skin again in a hot oven just before serving.

Can I use boneless pork belly?

Yes, boneless is preferred for easier slicing and uniform cooking.

Do I need to score the skin?

Scoring helps the fat render and the skin crisp more evenly, but it’s not essential.

What should I serve with pork belly?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, slaw, pickled onions, or steamed rice with greens.

How do I keep the meat juicy?

Slow roasting at a low temperature keeps the meat tender and prevents drying out.

What if I don’t have a rack?

You can place the pork belly on a bed of halved onions or carrots to lift it off the pan.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes, especially for crisping leftovers—air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–8 minutes.

How do I know it’s done?

The meat should be very tender, and the internal temperature should reach 180–190°F (82–88°C).

Can I marinate the pork belly?

Yes, just be sure not to marinate the skin side, as moisture can prevent it from crisping.

Conclusion

Crispy Slow-Roasted Pork Belly is a rich, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its signature crunchy skin and tender meat, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of any feast. Serve it with simple sides or bold accompaniments—and enjoy every flavorful bite.

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