Irresistible Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider Recipe

Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider are like a fancy party on your plate, complete with crackling skin that sings to your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent pork, where every bite bursts with flavor and the delightful hint of cider dances in the background. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary rock star, even if you burnt toast last week.

This dish is perfect for gatherings, cozy dinners, or when you’re just feeling a little extra. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an inviting hug from a loved one, making it impossible to resist. Trust me; when you serve these crispy wonders, everyone will be begging for the recipe – and maybe even asking if they can move in with you.

Ingredients for Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pork Belly: Choose a nice slab of pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat for optimal crispiness.
• Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for a naturally sweet and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the pork.
• Salt: A generous amount of salt helps enhance the flavors and achieve that coveted crispy skin.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a lovely kick to balance out the sweetness of the cider.
• Garlic Powder: This adds depth and richness to the seasoning mix without overpowering the other flavors.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme brings an aromatic quality that complements both pork and cider beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks during our glorious cooking adventure.

Step 2: Prep That Pork

Pat your pork belly dry using paper towels; moisture is not our friend here! Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern – be careful not to cut too deep into the meat. This step is crucial for achieving crispy goodness.

Step 3: Season Generously

Rub salt all over the skin and into those lovely scores. Sprinkle pepper, garlic powder, and thyme on top as well. You want this baby seasoned like it’s going out of style.

Step 4: Pour in the Cider

Place your seasoned pork belly in the baking dish and pour apple cider around it. This will keep things moist while adding an incredible layer of flavor as it cooks.

Step 5: Roast Away

Pop that beauty into your preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After this time, crank up the heat to broil for an additional 10-15 minutes until you see that glorious golden color develop on top.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Remove from oven and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. Transfer those crispy slices onto plates – don’t forget to drizzle some of that amazing cider liquid over them for an extra punch!

Now go ahead and serve those crispy pork belly slices like you’re hosting a Michelin-starred dinner party! Enjoy every mouthful as people marvel at your expertise in bringing together such delectable flavors and textures.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by scoring the pork belly skin. This helps it crisp up beautifully. Next, season generously with salt while preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear the pork on the stovetop for that perfect golden color before transferring it to the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out cider for apple juice or add spices like smoked paprika for a kick. You can also throw in some herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate those flavors even more. Get creative and make this dish uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover crispy pork belly slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in a hot oven for about 10 minutes to regain that crispiness—nobody likes soggy pork belly!

I remember serving crispy pork belly slices at a family gathering last summer. My uncle, known for being picky about food, took one bite and exclaimed it was “the best thing since sliced bread!” That made my day!

FAQs :

What are Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider?

Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider is a delicious dish made by cooking pork belly until it’s perfectly crispy and serving it with a flavorful cider reduction. This combination enhances the savory flavor of the pork while adding a hint of sweetness from the cider, making it an irresistible treat for meat lovers.

How do I achieve crispy skin on pork belly?

To get crispy skin on your pork belly, start by scoring the skin in a crosshatch pattern to help fat render out. Season well and dry the skin thoroughly before roasting at a high temperature. A final blast of heat will crisp it up beautifully, leaving you with that satisfying crunch.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of cider in this recipe?

While apple cider vinegar provides a tangy flavor, it is more acidic than regular cider. If you want to use it, dilute it with water or combine it with some sweetener to better mimic the taste of cider. However, using actual cider will yield the best results for Crispy Pork Belly Slices.

What sides pair well with Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider?

Crispy Pork Belly Slices pair wonderfully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The richness of the pork complements lighter dishes, while added acidity from sides like sauerkraut can balance out the flavors perfectly.

Conclusion for Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider :

Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Cider is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and a satisfying crunch. Achieving crispy skin requires proper preparation and cooking techniques. Pairing this dish with complementary sides enhances its flavor profile. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

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Crispy Pork Belly Slices with Apple Cider

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible crunch of crispy pork belly slices, perfectly paired with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction. A showstopper for any meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs pork belly
• 1 cup fresh apple cider
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat.
3. Rub salt all over the skin and into the scores. Sprinkle black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme evenly over the pork belly.
4. Place the seasoned pork belly in the baking dish and pour apple cider around it.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Then, increase the heat to broil for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle some of the cider reduction over the slices before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, substitute apple cider with apple juice or add smoked paprika. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a hot oven for best texture.