how long to cook pork belly slices in oven

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How Long to Cook Pork Belly Slices in the Oven for Crispy Juicy Results

Pork belly is a fabulously fatty, flavorful cut of meat that transforms into tender, meaty perfection when slowly roasted in the oven. Getting the crispy, crackling skin and succulent meat right when cooking pork belly slices requires using the proper time and temperature.

Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to cook pork belly slices in the oven along with tips for ensuring deliciously crisped pork belly every time.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Belly Slices in the Oven

Cooking pork belly slices in the oven offers several advantages over other cooking methods

  • The dry heat of the oven dehydrates the fatty skin, turning it super crispy and crunchy.

  • The indirect heat tenderizes the pork belly without overcooking it.

  • Minimal hands-on time is required. Just pop it in the oven and let it roast.

  • Flavors develop fully during the long cook time.

  • It’s an easy, contained cooking method with no splattering grease.

Choosing the Right Pork Belly

For the oven method to work best, choose an evenly thick, rectangular cut of skin-on pork belly that’s about 1-2 inches thick. Pork belly with an irregular shape or that’s too fatty or too lean may cook unevenly. Let any excess moisture drain off and thoroughly pat dry before cooking.

How Long to Cook Pork Belly Slices in the Oven

The magic timing for pork belly in the oven depends on the thickness. Follow these guidelines:

  • 1-inch thick slices: Cook for 45-60 minutes

  • 1 1/2-inch thick slices: Cook for 60-75 minutes

  • 2-inch thick slices: Cook for 75-90 minutes

These times are for an oven temp of 300°F-325°F. Avoid high heat, which causes pork belly to toughen. The lower temperature gently renders fat and keeps the meat tender.

If using a whole slab of pork belly, allot about 25-30 minutes per pound. Check for doneness early and extend the cooking time if needed to achieve properly crisped skin and fall-apart tender meat.

How to Tell When Pork Belly Slices Are Done

Don’t rely just on cook times as ovens can vary. Use these visual cues to check for perfect doneness:

  • The pork skin has puffed up and turned golden brown and crispy.

  • The meat has shrunk back from the edges of the bone or rind.

  • A knife inserted into the meat meets little resistance.

  • The inside of the pork belly is no longer pink.

The ideal finished temp is around 185°F-195°F. For ultimate precision, use an instant read thermometer.

Oven Roasting Tips for Perfect Pork Belly

Follow these tips to take your oven-roasted pork belly to the next level:

  • Score the skin before cooking to help render the fat.

  • Let the pork come to room temp before roasting for more even cooking.

  • Dry the skin thoroughly and roast skin-side up on a wire rack for crispiness.

  • Flip the pork belly over halfway during cooking.

  • Brush with sauce or drippings in the last 15 minutes only.

  • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into the juicy meat.

  • Save the rendered pork fat in the pan for other cooking uses.

Cooking Pork Belly Low and Slow

The key to tender, melt-in-your mouth pork belly is low, slow oven roasting. High heat causes pork belly to become tough and shrivel up. Gentle oven heat allows the fat to render while keeping the meat succulent and flavorful.

Take your time and stick to oven temps no higher than 325°F for the best texture. Cook pork belly slices just until the fat crisps up, moisture evaporates, and meat becomes lusciously tender.

Serving Up Delicious Oven Roasted Pork Belly

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving crispy, juicy oven roasted pork belly. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:

  • Slice and enjoy as is, or with a sprinkle of coarse salt.

  • Toss cubes into fried rice, ramen, or pasta dishes.

  • Layer on sandwiches and burgers for a savory kick.

  • Chop and fold into mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.

  • Dice up in salads for added richness.

  • Garnish soups and stews with pork belly pieces.

  • Serve alongside roasted veggies or creamy potato salad.

  • Pair with tangy sauces for contrast, like chimichurri or hoisin.

Mastering oven roasted pork belly takes experimentation to discover the ideal timing for your oven. But once you nail down the perfect roast, you’ll have a new go-to recipe for special occasion meals and everyday eats alike. Dig into tender, glistening pork belly any night of the week.

how long to cook pork belly slices in oven

Why Choose Pork Belly?

Pork belly is a flavorful cut of meat taken from the belly of the pig. It boasts a luscious marbling of fat that renders as it cooks, resulting in tender, juicy meat. The high fat content also creates a crisp, crackling crust when roasted in the oven.

Explore More Delicious Pork Belly Recipes and Uses

Once you know how to cook pork belly slices in the oven, there are a lot of delicious recipes waiting for you. Try the Crispy Pork Belly Sliders with Tangy Slaw Recipe for a great mix of flavors. The crispy pork and cool slaw go great together. Chefs who like to try new things shouldn’t miss the Korean BBQ Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps with Kimchi Recipe. Each bite will make you crave Korean food. The Baked Pork Belly with Caramelized Apples and Onions Recipe is a must-try for people who like sweet and savory foods together. Each recipe uses the techniques talked about in the guide, so you can try a range of dishes that show how versatile and tasty pork belly can be. Want to talk about how you cook pork belly slices in the oven? Join the conversation in the

MEAT BASICS | Roasted Pork Belly (2 Ways) | Simple Carnivore Recipe

FAQ

How long to cook belly pork slices?

Preheat your oven to 150°C/gas mark 2, then weigh the Pork Belly to work out the cooking time; as a guide, allow 45 minutes per 450g in weight, plus another 45 minutes, or until cooked through (when there is no pink meat and the juices run clear).

What temperature should you cook pork belly at?

Place pork belly (in foil boat) in oven on center rack, and place a drip pan underneath to catch any fat that happened to drip. Cook approximately 1.5 hours, though a lot will depend on the size of your pork belly. You want to cook until the internal temperature is 160-165°F.

Can you overcook pork belly slices?

That’s kind of the whole point. If you overcook it, you can render much of the fat out, but that completely defeats the purpose of eating pork belly. So, if one is looking for a leaner cut of pork, the belly is the exact WRONG place to start!

How do you know when pork belly strips are cooked?

One way to determine your porks’ doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they’re mostly or entirely pink or red, it’s best to continue cooking.

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