This Colombian-Style Crispy Pork Belly is a treat for the senses! With its crunchy skin and tender meat, it’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Honestly, who can resist that golden, crispy layer? I often pair it with some fresh salsa for a yummy bite. Just be prepared to share—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Belly: This cut of meat is the star! It has a good balance of fat and meat that helps achieve the crispy skin and tender inside. If pork belly isn’t available, try using chicken thighs; they won’t be as crispy but will still be tasty.
Salt: Salt is essential for flavor, but you can reduce the amount if you’re watching sodium intake. Sea salt or kosher salt works well, so use what you have on hand.
Baking Soda: This helps dry out the skin to make it crispy. If you want to skip it, simply increase the resting time in the fridge to help with drying.
Vinegar or Lime Juice: For that tangy kick, both work perfectly. I usually prefer lime juice for its fresh flavor. You can use lemon juice as an alternative too!
How Do I Make Sure the Pork Belly Skin is Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crackling skin is key to crispy pork belly. Start by properly scoring the skin; this allows the fat to render and the skin to puff up beautifully. Remember, the baking soda-salt mix is crucial for drying it out.
- After scoring, let the pork belly sit in the fridge uncovered. This step is vital! It reduces moisture in the skin.
- Before frying, dry the skin thoroughly with paper towels.
- Fry in hot oil and avoid overcooking the meat side too early. Flip carefully to ensure crispy skin all around.
Easy Colombian-Style Crispy Pork Belly
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds pork belly, skin on
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lime juice
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2 hours in total. You’ll need about 30 minutes for preparation, plus 1 hour to let the pork belly dry in the fridge, followed by about 15 minutes for cooking. The result will be totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Belly:
Begin by scoring the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch or straight lines, making sure not to cut into the meat. This will help the skin get nice and crispy. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of salt with the baking soda and rub it all over the pork belly skin. Place it in the refrigerator uncovered for about 1 hour. This helps draw out moisture and get that perfect crunch.
2. Marinate the Meat:
In another bowl, mix the minced garlic, black pepper, cumin, the remaining tablespoon of salt, and the white vinegar or lime juice. Take this mixture and rub it all over the meat side of the pork belly, avoiding the skin. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This adds a delicious flavor to the meat!
3. Cook the Pork Belly:
Heat some oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats up, make sure to pat the skin of the pork belly dry with paper towels. Careful now! Place the pork belly skin-side down in the hot oil. Fry it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the skin puffs up and turns golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the pork belly to fry the meat side for another 5 to 7 minutes until it’s cooked through and nicely browned.
4. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the oil and let it drain on paper towels to get rid of extra oil. After letting it rest for a few minutes, cut the pork belly into portions along the scored lines. Serve it hot as a mouth-watering main dish or appetizer, and enjoy it with some lime wedges, fresh salsa, or arepas on the side!
Enjoy your delicious Colombian-style Chicharrón with its irresistible crispy crackling and tender meat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
While pork belly is ideal for this recipe due to its fat content that creates crispiness, you can use other cuts like pork shoulder or chicken thighs. Keep in mind that they may not get as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, try using an oven or air fryer to restore some of that crispy texture!
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Absolutely! You can add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preference!
What Can I Serve with Colombian-Style Crispy Pork Belly?
This dish pairs wonderfully with lime wedges, fresh salsa, or traditional Colombian arepas. You can also serve it with rice or a fresh salad to balance out the richness!
