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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly**
1. **Score the skin**: Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern. This will help the fat render out and allow the skin to crisp up beautifully. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat. This process is crucial for getting that perfect crackling skin.
2. **Season the meat**: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Add the olive oil to create a paste-like mixture. Rub this seasoning all over the pork belly, making sure to massage it into the meat, especially in between the scored skin. If you like, you can also sprinkle the zest of one orange on top for a fragrant, citrusy twist.
3. **Let it marinate**: Cover the pork belly with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat.
#### **Step 2: Roast the Pork Belly**
1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). The key to tender pork belly is slow cooking, so we’ll start with a low temperature to ensure the meat stays juicy and tender.
2. **Place the pork belly in a roasting pan**: Transfer the marinated pork belly to a roasting pan. Add the white wine (or apple cider vinegar) to the pan, and pour in a little water or chicken stock to keep the meat moist during the slow roasting process. This will also create a flavorful base for the pan sauce.
3. **Roast low and slow**: Roast the pork belly for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices. The meat will become tender as it slowly cooks, absorbing all the flavors from the seasoning and liquids.
#### **Step 3: Crisp the Skin**
1. **Increase the heat**: After the meat is tender, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to crisp the skin. Roast for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it during this stage, as the skin can burn quickly.
2. **Rest the pork belly**: Once the skin is crisped to perfection, remove the pork belly from the oven. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist.
#### **Step 4: Serve**
1. **Slice and serve**: Slice the pork belly into generous portions, making sure to include a bit of the crispy skin with each serving. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing green salad for a well-rounded meal.
2. **Garnish**: For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some of the pan juices over the pork belly before serving. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma and color.
### **Tips for the Perfect Meltingly Tender Pork Belly**
– **Score the skin carefully**: Scoring the skin is one of the most important steps to ensure that the pork belly has the perfect crackling. The deeper you score the skin, the more crispy texture you’ll get, but avoid cutting into the meat.
– **Low and slow is key**: The secret to tender pork belly is cooking it slowly at a low temperature to break down the fat and connective tissue. Be patient during the roasting process for the best results.
– **Crisp the skin at the end**: To get the perfect crispy skin, increase the heat at the end of cooking. This will give you that golden, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat.
– **Rest the pork belly**: Letting the pork belly rest after roasting is essential for keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
### **Why This Recipe Works**
This **Meltingly Tender Pork Belly** recipe is a perfect balance of slow-roasting to achieve a tender, flavorful bite, and high-heat crisping to give you that irresistible crackling skin. The blend of spices, along with the acidity from the white wine or apple cider vinegar, adds layers of flavor to the pork. The long cooking time allows the fat to render beautifully, making every bite rich and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
This Spanish-inspired recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures. It takes the humble pork belly and elevates it into a dish that’s sure to impress your guests or treat your family to something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weekend feast, this pork belly is bound to be the star of the meal.
### **Final Thoughts**
If you’ve never cooked pork belly at home, this recipe is a great place to start. With the guidance of a Spanish butcher’s secret technique, you’ll learn how to create **Meltingly Tender Pork Belly** that rivals any dish you’d find at a restaurant. The tenderness of the meat, paired with the crispy, flavorful skin, will make this dish a new favorite. Try it out and let this secret recipe transform your dinner into a mouthwatering masterpiece!
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