This easy keto crispy pork belly recipe will become your new favorite dinner option. The crispy skin on top creates an amazing texture contrast with the tender meat underneath, making every bite a real treat.
Getting that perfect crispy skin might seem tricky, but I’ll show you exactly how to do it step by step.
The secret lies in scoring the skin properly and following the right cooking temperatures. Trust me, once you master this technique, you’ll want to make it again and again.
What makes this recipe special is that it only needs a few basic ingredients that you can find in any grocery store.
All you need is just a good piece of pork belly, some basic seasonings, and your oven will do all the work.
You can serve it as your main course with some low carb vegetables, use it in salads, or even save leftovers for lunch the next day.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Crispy Skin: The cooking method in this recipe guarantees that crackling, crispy skin that everyone loves.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe only needs pork belly and basic seasonings you already have in your kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: While pork belly might seem fancy, it’s actually one of the more affordable cuts of meat. You get a lot of food for your money, especially compared to other keto friendly proteins like steak or salmon.
Perfect Macros: The macronutrient ratio in this recipe is ideal for keto – high in fat, moderate in protein, and zero carbs. You don’t need to calculate or adjust anything; it’s naturally perfect for your keto diet goals.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 3 pounds Pork Belly (buy the cut with the skin on)
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Avocado Oil (I use this one – amazon)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Paprika
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and scoring the skin of the pork belly using a sharp knife.
Step 2
Brush avocado oil over the pork belly, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
Step 3
Place the meat into a baking dish with the skin side up. Bake for 1 hour, then increase temperature to 430°F and bake for 40 more minutes until golden brown.
Step 4
Change to broil and cook for 3 more minutes until the skin becomes crispy.
Step 5
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
💡Tips
1. Pat It Dry
Before you start cooking, take a paper towel and dry the pork belly really well, especially the skin. Any extra moisture on the skin will make it harder to get crispy.
Pat the skin multiple times with fresh paper towels until no moisture comes off anymore. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth it.
2. Let It Rest Properly
The 15 minute resting time after cooking isn’t just a suggestion – it’s really important. During this time, the meat’s juices redistribute throughout the pork belly instead of running out when you cut it.
Place it on a cutting board, but don’t cover it with foil – covering will trap steam and soften your perfectly crispy skin.
The meat is still cooking internally during this time, so don’t skip this step even if you’re really hungry!
3. Cutting
When it’s time to cut the pork belly, use a very sharp knife and start with the skin side up. Press down firmly and quickly – don’t saw back and forth, as this can separate the skin from the meat.
If your skin is properly crispy, you should hear a satisfying crack as you cut through it. Cut the pieces about 1 inch thick – this gives you the perfect ratio of crispy skin to meat in each serving.
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FAQ
1. My pork belly is curling up while cooking.
Curling happens when the skin contracts from the heat. To prevent this, make your score marks closer together.
2. Why do I need to use avocado oil?
I recommend avocado oil because it has a high smoke point, meaning it won’t burn at the high temperatures used in this recipe.
Keto Crispy Pork Belly
Print RecipeIngredients
- 3 pounds Pork Belly buy the cut with the skin on
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Avocado Oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and scoring the skin of the pork belly using a sharp knife.
- Brush avocado oil over the pork belly, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Place the meat into a baking dish with the skin side up. Bake for 1 hour, then increase temperature to 430°F and bake for 40 more minutes until golden brown.
- Change to broil and cook for 3 more minutes until the skin becomes crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.