Pork belly is a cut of meat that has gained immense popularity in recent years, and it's no surprise why. When cooked properly, it yields a perfect balance of crispy crackling and juicy, tender meat that's hard to resist. While there are many ways to prepare pork belly, cooking it in the oven is one of the simplest and most foolproof methods. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, mastering the art of cooking pork belly in the oven is sure to impress your family and friends. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at how to cook pork belly in the oven to achieve the perfect texture and flavour every time.

I. Choosing and Preparing Pork Belly for Oven Cooking

Before you start cooking your pork belly in the oven, it's essential to choose the right cut of meat and prepare it properly. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Look for a pork belly that has a good balance of meat and fat. A ratio of 70% meat to 30% fat is ideal.

2. Choose a pork belly that has a thick, even layer of fat. This will help to create crispy crackling.

3. Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife to help it crisp up during cooking.

4. Season the pork belly skin with kosher salt and place uncovered in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking

5. After a minimum of 24 hours in the fridge remove your pork belly. Season the meat side ONLY with Kosmos Q Killer Honey Bee BBQ rub. 

6. Add additional salt to the skin for extra flavour

II. Oven Cooking Techniques for Pork Belly

There are several oven-cooking techniques that you can use to cook pork belly, each with its unique advantages. Here are three methods to consider:

1. Slow-roasting method: Preheat your oven to 325°F or 162°C and roast the pork belly for 2-3 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 199°F or 93°C. This method results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a crispy exterior.

2. High-heat method: Preheat your oven to 450°F or 232°C and roast the pork belly for 20-30 minutes until it's crispy and browned on the outside. Then lower the heat to 325°F and continue cooking for another 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 199°F or 93°C. This method results in crispy skin and tender meat.

3. Combination method: Preheat your oven to 350°F and roast the pork belly for 30 minutes. Then lower the heat to 275°F and continue cooking for another 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 199°F or 93°C. This method combines the benefits of both slow-roasting and high-heat methods.

 III. Achieving Perfectly Cooked Pork Belly

To ensure that your pork belly is perfectly cooked, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the pork belly. It should reach 199°F or 93°C before you take it out of the oven. Another handy test is to probe the meat of the pork belly for doneness. It should probe like butter.

2. Let the pork belly rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

IV. Serving Suggestions for Pork Belly

Pork belly can be served in many different ways. Here are a few traditional and creative serving ideas:

1. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy for a classic comfort food meal.

2. Slice the pork belly and serve it on a bed of greens with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

3. Use leftover pork belly to make sandwiches or tacos.

Cooking pork belly in the oven is a delicious and rewarding experience. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this blog, you can achieve perfectly cooked pork belly every time, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or cooking a special meal for your family, pork belly is a versatile and impressive dish that's sure to impress. Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and serving suggestions, and most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking this delicious cut of meat. With a little practice, you'll be a pork belly pro in no time!

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