Juicy, tender roasted salt and pepper pork belly with the crispiest, crunchy crackling/skin. This is a showstopper main dish that is sure to impress.
There’s just something about crisp, golden crackling that makes people swoon. Not many people can say no to it, and while there are some tricks to getting tasty, crunchy cracking, it’s really easy to make.
How Long To Cook Pork Belly Per Kg In The Oven? A Detailed Guide
Pork belly is a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig. It has layers of fat and meat that become tender juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious when cooked properly. Oven roasting is one of the best ways to cook pork belly to crispy, crackling perfection. But exactly how long does it take to cook pork belly per kg in the oven? Let’s find out.
Choosing The Right Pork Belly
When buying pork belly for cooking, choose a piece that has distinct layers of meat and fat. The fat should be white and firm. Avoid pork belly with yellowish fat as that indicates the fat is old. The meat should have nice marbling as that results in more flavorful and tender meat after cooking. Pork belly is sold both bone-in and boneless. Bone-in pork belly has more flavor while boneless is easier to carve and serve.
Preparing The Pork Belly
Once you have the right pork belly, prepare it before cooking:
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Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Score the skin by making shallow criss-cross cuts with a sharp knife. This helps the fat render and makes the skin extra crispy.
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Rub salt, pepper and any other seasonings or spices evenly all over the meat and skin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Take the pork belly out of the fridge 30 minutes before roasting so it comes to room temperature.
Oven Temperature For Pork Belly
The oven should be preheated to 325°F – 350°F before the pork belly goes in. This allows the fat to render slowly, keeping the meat moist while the skin crisps up. High heat will cause the exterior to dry up before the inside is cooked through.
Pork Belly Cooking Time Per Kg
As a general guideline, pork belly takes about 35-45 minutes per 0.5 kg to cook in the oven. Here is a rough estimate for cooking times per kg:
- 0.5 kg pork belly: 30-40 minutes
- 1 kg pork belly: 60-80 minutes
- 1.5 kg pork belly: 90-120 minutes
- 2 kg pork belly: 120-160 minutes
So for a common 1 kg piece, start checking after 1 hour of cooking time. However, the cooking duration can vary depending on the thickness of your pork belly. Thicker cuts will take longer. The best way to ensure perfect doneness is using a meat thermometer.
How To Cook Pork Belly In The Oven
Follow these simple steps for oven roasted pork belly:
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Preheat oven to 325°F – 350°F.
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Place pork belly skin side up on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air circulation for even cooking and crispy skin.
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Roast for estimated time based on weight, checking often after half the time. Baste with pan juices occasionally.
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Once the skin is browned and blistered, test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
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The ideal internal temperature is between 145°F – 160°F depending on your preference for pinkness. Juicy pork belly should reach at least 160°F.
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Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing into portions. The meat will be very tender.
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Serve hot, warm or at room temperature. Delicious on its own, in lettuce wraps, buns or with favorite sides.
The total roasting time ranges from 1-2.5 hours for a 1-2 kg pork belly. If desired, broil the last 5 minutes to really crispen the skin. Do not flip or move the pork belly while cooking so the skin stays intact.
Tips For Perfect Pork Belly
Follow these tips for the best oven roasted pork belly every time:
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Choose pork belly that is about 2.5 cm thick. Thinner pieces may overcook and dry out.
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Sprinkle generously with salt and massage it in for flavorsome, tender meat.
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Leave uncovered in the fridge overnight so the skin dries out – this makes it super crispy.
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Preheat oven fully before cooking and do not keep opening the door.
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Use a meat thermometer to test doneness, not time alone.
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Let pork belly rest before slicing for juicier meat.
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Save the rendered fat to roast potatoes or other veggies.
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Pork belly pairs wonderfully with Asian sauces, spice rubs, chutneys etc.
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Leftovers make amazing fried rice, ramen topping, sandwiches etc.
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Freeze for up to 4 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before roasting.
Common Problems And Solutions
If your pork belly turns out undercooked, dry or lacks crispiness, here are some likely causes and fixes:
Problem: Pork belly is undercooked and chewy inside
Freezing and making ahead
- Pork that has been roasted can be frozen for up to three months after being wrapped up. When the meat thaws, the crackling will lose its crunch, but the meat will still taste great. Take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for at least three hours before using.
- Before you roast the pork belly, you can dry it and season it, then put it in the fridge uncovered for up to 24 hours to chill. Covered with foil, roasted pork belly can rest for up to an hour before being carved and served.
How to get crispy pork crackling
The trick to crunchy crackling? Dry skin. For the pork belly skin to bubble and crisp up, it needs to be very dry. I put smoked salt and lots of black pepper on the pork skin before putting it in a hot oven. The salt also adds to the crisping of the skin. Starting the roasting at a high heat also allows that initial crisping of the skin to happen. If you want the crackling to be extra crispy, put the pork under a hot broiler for a few minutes or until it’s done the way you like it.
How to Make the Crispiest Pork Belly Ever
FAQ
How long must pork belly be cooked?
How many hours per pound of pork belly?
How long do you cook pork per kg?
How much does 1kg of pork belly feed?
How long does it take to cook a pork belly?
Cooking Time: Cook the pork belly for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is golden and crispy. It’s essential to monitor the cooking process closely, as individual ovens may vary in temperature and cooking times.
How do you cook a 2 pound pork belly?
Pat the skin of 1 (2-pound) piece pork belly completely dry with paper towels. Place skin-side up on a plate and refrigerate overnight. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 300°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Fit a wire rack onto the baking sheet if desired.
How do you cook a pork belly in the oven?
Pre-heat the oven to 220°C/430°F and place a wire rack in a roasting tray. Score the skin of the pork belly with a very sharp knife, taking care not to cut through to the meat. Rub the skin and meat of the pork belly with a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Place the pork belly on the wire rack and place the tray in the oven.
What temperature should a pork belly be cooked at?
When roasting pork belly in the oven, our recommended temperature range is around 250 to 300°F. This is a low and slow roasting that allows the meat to break down and the fat to properly render, without making the meat tough or dry. How long does it take to cook a pork belly?