What To Know
- Submerge the pork skin in the vinegar solution for exactly 10 minutes, as this will help to draw out the moisture and create a crispier crackling.
- Roast the pork at a high temperature to create a crispy crackling, but reduce the temperature after 30 minutes to ensure the meat cooks evenly.
- Let the pork rest for 30 minutes before carving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors and textures that crackling pork offers. This culinary masterpiece is a testament to the art of cooking, combining tender meat with an irresistibly crispy crackling that shatters upon the first bite. Our comprehensive crackling pork recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring you create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) pork shoulder (bone-in)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Crackling:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
- Score the skin of the pork with a sharp knife, making shallow diagonal cuts about 1 cm apart.
- Season the pork generously with salt and pepper.
2. Create the Crackling:
- In a heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water over the vinegar and salt. Stir until the salt dissolves.
- Submerge the pork skin in the solution and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the solution and pat it dry.
3. Marinate the Pork:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder.
- Pour the marinade over the pork and massage it into the meat.
- Cover the pork and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
4. Roast the Pork:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Place the pork in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.
- Roast the pork for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for 2-2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 70°C (158°F).
5. Create the Perfect Crackling:
- After 2 hours of roasting, remove the pork from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 240°C (465°F).
- Return the pork to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackling is golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest the Pork:
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Carve the pork into slices and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures that crackling pork offers!
Tips for Perfect Crackling:
- Use a sharp knife to score the skin of the pork, as this will help the crackling become crispy.
- Submerge the pork skin in the vinegar solution for exactly 10 minutes, as this will help to draw out the moisture and create a crispier crackling.
- Roast the pork at a high temperature to create a crispy crackling, but reduce the temperature after 30 minutes to ensure the meat cooks evenly.
- Let the pork rest for 30 minutes before carving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful dish.
The Bottom Line:
Our crackling pork recipe is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones. With its tender meat, irresistibly crispy crackling, and symphony of flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and experience the joy of creating this culinary delight.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a pork loin or pork belly for this recipe. However, the pork shoulder is the traditional cut used for crackling pork, as it has a good balance of fat and meat.
Q: How can I make the crackling even crispier?
A: To achieve an even crispier crackling, you can increase the oven temperature to 250°C (480°F) for the last 5-10 minutes of roasting.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the pork overnight and roast it the next day. Let the roasted pork cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through before serving.
