If you love crispy, juicy pork with rich flavors, this Hairy Bikers Pork Belly Recipe is perfect. It is a dish that impresses family and friends. The crackling skin and tender meat are irresistible.
Learning how to make Hairy Bikers Pork Belly at home is easier than you think. With the right ingredients for Hairy Bikers Pork Belly and simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality pork in your own kitchen. This recipe is both flavorful and fun to cook.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to amazing Hairy Bikers Pork Belly lies in the perfect crackling and slow roasting. The Hairy Bikers suggest scoring the skin, rubbing it with salt and roasting slowly.
This allows the fat to render while keeping the meat juicy. Using a mix of herbs and spices adds extra depth of flavor.
By following the right cooking method, you get pork belly that melts in your mouth. Don’t skip the resting time — it helps the meat stay moist.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Pork Belly
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Roasting tray
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Pork Belly
- 1.5 kg pork belly, skin on
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 200 ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Belly
Score the pork skin with a sharp knife. Make 1 cm wide lines. Do not cut the meat. - Season the Meat
Mix salt, pepper, garlic and thyme. Rub the mix all over the pork, especially the skin. - Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure it is fully heated before cooking the pork belly. - Arrange Vegetables
Place onion, carrots and celery in the roasting tray. This will lift the pork and add flavor. - Add Pork to Tray
Place pork on top of the vegetables, skin-side up. Brush skin lightly with olive oil. - Roast Slowly
Cook in oven for 2 hours. This allows the fat to render and meat to become tender. - Add Stock and Soy Sauce
After 2 hours, pour chicken stock and soy sauce into tray. This keeps the pork moist. - Increase Heat for Crackling
Turn oven to 220°C (430°F). Roast for another 20–30 minutes. Crackling will puff and become crispy. - Check Crackling
If skin is not crispy, continue roasting in 5-minute intervals. Watch carefully to prevent burning. - Rest the Meat
Remove pork from oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. - Serve
Slice pork belly into thick pieces. Serve with roasted vegetables or your favorite side dish.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Dry the Skin Well: Pat pork skin completely dry before scoring. Moisture prevents crisp crackling.
- Use Sea Salt: Large-grain salt works best for a crunchy surface.
- Optional Glaze: Brush honey or mustard during last 10 minutes for a caramelized finish.
- Vegetable Base: Swap onions and carrots for leeks or parsnips for different flavors.
- Slow Roast Alternative: Cook at 160°C (320°F) for 3 hours for extra tender meat.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Hairy Bikers Pork Belly is perfect with roasted potatoes, creamy mash or steamed vegetables. Add a side of apple sauce or mustard for extra flavor.
It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad. For a hearty meal, serve with gravy made from the pan juices. This recipe works well for both family dinners and special occasions.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked pork belly for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes. Cover loosely to keep meat juicy.
- Re-crisp Crackling: Place under a hot grill for 2–3 minutes before serving to restore crispness.
Hairy Bikers Pork Belly Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg pork belly skin on
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 sticks celery chopped
- 200 ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Belly
- Score the pork skin with a sharp knife. Make 1 cm wide lines. Do not cut the meat.
Season the Meat
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Rub the mix all over the pork, especially the skin.
Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure it is fully heated before cooking the pork belly.
Arrange Vegetables
- Place onion, carrots, and celery in the roasting tray. This will lift the pork and add flavor.
Add Pork to Tray
- Place pork on top of the vegetables, skin-side up. Brush skin lightly with olive oil.
Roast Slowly
- Cook in oven for 2 hours. This allows the fat to render and meat to become tender.
Add Stock and Soy Sauce
- After 2 hours, pour chicken stock and soy sauce into tray. This keeps the pork moist.
Increase Heat for Crackling
- Turn oven to 220°C (430°F). Roast for another 20–30 minutes. Crackling will puff and become crispy.
Check Crackling
- If skin is not crispy, continue roasting in 5-minute intervals. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Rest the Meat
- Remove pork from oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serve
- Slice pork belly into thick pieces. Serve with roasted vegetables or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Dry the Skin Well: Pat pork skin completely dry before scoring. Moisture prevents crisp crackling.
- Use Sea Salt: Large-grain salt works best for a crunchy surface.
- Optional Glaze: Brush honey or mustard during last 10 minutes for a caramelized finish.
- Vegetable Base: Swap onions and carrots for leeks or parsnips for different flavors.
- Slow Roast Alternative: Cook at 160°C (320°F) for 3 hours for extra tender meat.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Pork Belly
Q1: Can I make this recipe without scoring the skin?
No. Scoring allows fat to render and ensures crispy crackling. Skipping this step may result in chewy skin.
Q2: How long can I keep cooked pork belly?
Store in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months.
Q3: Can I use pork shoulder instead?
Yes, but the crackling will be less crispy. Pork belly is best for that perfect skin and tender meat.
Q4: Is it okay to add other spices?
Absolutely. Paprika, fennel seeds, or rosemary can add unique flavors. Adjust salt carefully with extra spices.
Q5: How do I make the crackling extra crunchy?
Dry the skin well, rub with salt, and roast at high heat for the last 20–30 minutes.
Conclusion
Hairy Bikers Pork Belly Recipe is a must-try for any pork lover. It combines tender, juicy meat with irresistible crackling. Knowing how to make Hairy Bikers Pork Belly gives you a delicious, show-stopping dish for any occasion.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Remember the tips for crispy skin and flavorful meat. Serve it with sides you love and enjoy every bite.
This recipe is proof that cooking amazing pork at home can be simple, fun and absolutely delicious.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.