Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as indulgent as it is impressive: Maple Glazed Pork Belly with Crispy Crackling and Chipotle Aioli! This mouthwatering recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of perfectly roasted pork belly with a sweet maple glaze that caramelizes to perfection. The crispy crackling adds a satisfying crunch, while the smoky chipotle aioli brings a zesty kick that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to wow your guests and keep them coming back for more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork belly
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Remove pork belly from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. Pat the surface completely dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Score the pork belly skin in a diagonal crosshatch pattern, making cuts about 1/2 inch apart, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- Generously season the pork belly with salt, ensuring to rub salt into the scored skin. This will help create crispy crackling.
- Place pork belly skin-side up in a roasting pan or heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet. Roast for 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing the fat to render slowly and skin to become crisp.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the pork belly with maple syrup, allowing it to caramelize and create a glossy, sweet exterior.
- While pork is roasting, prepare chipotle aioli by mixing mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Remove pork belly from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and ensures tender meat.
- Slice pork belly into thick, crispy portions and serve immediately with chipotle aioli drizzled on top or served as a dipping sauce.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Always remove the pork belly from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and achieve the desired texture.
- Score the Skin Properly: When scoring the pork belly skin, make sure to cut deeply enough to allow the fat to render, but avoid cutting into the meat. This technique is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy crackling.
- Generous Salting: Don’t skimp on the salt! Rubbing salt into the scored skin is essential for creating a flavorful and crispy exterior.
- Monitor the Roasting Time: Keep an eye on the pork belly during the last 15 minutes of roasting. Brushing it with maple syrup at this stage allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
- Resting is Key: After removing the pork belly from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
- Customize the Aioli: Feel free to adjust the chipotle aioli to your taste. Add more chipotle for extra heat or a bit of honey for added sweetness to complement the pork belly.
- Serve with Style: Slice the pork belly into thick portions and serve with the chipotle aioli drizzled on top or on the side as a dipping sauce for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
