Hairy Bikers Pork Belly Recipe
The Hairy Bikers Pork Belly Recipe is pure comfort food. It is rich, crispy and full of flavor. When I first tried this Hairy Bikers Pork Belly Recipe, I was surprised by how simple it felt.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg pork belly skin on
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Skin
- Pat the pork belly skin dry using paper towels. This step is very important. Dry skin gives better crackling. Score the skin with a sharp knife. Make thin lines across the top. Do not cut into the meat.
Season Generously
- Mix salt, pepper, paprika and thyme in a small bowl. Rub olive oil over the pork. Then press the seasoning mixture into the skin and meat. Make sure salt goes into the scored lines for extra crispiness.
Prepare the Base
- Place sliced onion and crushed garlic into the roasting tray. Pour chicken stock around them. This keeps the meat moist while roasting. It also creates tasty juices for serving later.
Start with High Heat
- Preheat your oven to 220°C. Place the pork belly on a rack over the tray. Roast for 30 minutes first. High heat helps the crackling puff and turn golden. You will hear it sizzling.
Slow Roast Gently
- Lower the oven temperature to 170°C. Continue roasting for about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The meat becomes soft and tender. Use a meat thermometer. Internal temperature should reach 75°C.
Rest Before Slicing
- Remove the pork from the oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting keeps juices inside. Slice into thick pieces. Spoon some pan juices over the top before serving.
Notes
- Always dry the skin well before roasting.
- Do not skip scoring the skin evenly.
- Add apple slices to the tray for sweet flavor.
- Brush a little honey in the last 10 minutes for glaze.
- Use fennel seeds for a more aromatic taste.
- Serve with mustard sauce for extra kick.