Roast Pork Belly with Clementine and Star Anise Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 220掳C (425掳F).
• STEP 2.Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern.
• STEP 3.Rub the pork belly with salt, ensuring it gets into the scored skin.
• STEP 4.Place the pork belly on a wire rack in a roasting pan, skin-side up.
• STEP 5.Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
• STEP 6.Reduce the oven temperature to 160掳C (320掳F) and continue roasting for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
• STEP 7.While the pork is roasting, prepare the glaze by combining clementine juice, honey, soy sauce, star anise, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
• STEP 8.Simmer the glaze over low heat for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
• STEP 9.After the pork has roasted for 2 hours, brush the glaze over the skin and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
• STEP 10.Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
• STEP 11.Serve the roast pork belly with the caramelized clementine and star anise glaze, and garnish with fresh clementine segments and star anise pods.
• STEP 12.Enjoy the succulent and flavorful roast pork belly with the citrusy and aromatic notes of clementine and star anise.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to score the skin of the pork belly properly to allow the fat to render and the skin to crisp up.
• For extra crispy crackling, you can pour boiling water over the scored skin before rubbing it with salt.
• Letting the pork belly rest after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover roast pork belly can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the pork belly in a preheated oven at 180掳C (350掳F) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Serve the roast pork belly as a main dish with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, or slice it thinly and use it in sandwiches or salads.