Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of perfectly crispy pork belly, where the crackling skin meets tender, juicy meat. With this Instant Pot Crispy Pork Belly recipe, you can easily recreate this mouthwatering dish right in your own kitchen! In just one hour, you can impress your family and friends with a Chinese delicacy that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork belly
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Pat the pork belly completely dry using paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Score the pork belly skin in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
- Mix salt, black pepper, and five-spice powder in a small bowl to create a dry rub.
- Generously season the pork belly on all sides with the spice mixture, ensuring the skin is well-coated.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot to elevate the pork belly above the water.
- Position the seasoned pork belly skin-side up on the trivet.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pork belly and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven's broiler to high heat.
- Broil the pork belly for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the skin crisps up without burning.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice into thick pieces and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Dry the Pork Belly Thoroughly: Patting the pork belly dry with paper towels is essential for achieving that coveted crispy skin. The drier the skin, the better it will crisp up during broiling.
- Score the Skin Carefully: When scoring the skin, make sure to create a diamond pattern with shallow cuts. This technique allows the fat to render out while cooking, resulting in a delightful crunch.
- Use a Generous Amount of Spice: Don’t be shy with the dry rub! Coat the pork belly generously with the salt, black pepper, and five-spice mixture for maximum flavor.
- Elevate the Pork Belly: Placing the pork belly on a trivet or in a steamer basket keeps it above the water, allowing for even cooking and preventing sogginess.
- Keep an Eye on the Broiler: When broiling, watch the pork belly closely to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully without burning. Every oven is different, so adjust the time as needed.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pork belly to rest for a few minutes after broiling lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Pair with Delicious Sides: Serve your crispy pork belly with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
