Pork belly is a magnificent choice for keto diets. With its high fat content and zero carbs, pork belly keeps you in ketosis while providing luscious flavors. When roasted properly, the pork belly transforms into a crispy, salty slice of heaven.
Benefits of Pork Belly for Keto
Pork belly checks all the boxes for keto compatibility. It contains lots of healthy fats like oleic acid and is very low in carbohydrates. The fat content helps you feel satiated while restricting carbs keeps your body in fat-burning mode.
Choosing pasture-raised pork provides even more benefits. The pigs roam freely and eat a natural diet, leading to superior nutrition and taste. Adding salt while cooking pork belly maintains electrolyte balance, preventing the “keto flu” side effects.
Overall, pork belly’s stellar nutritional profile makes it a go-to keto superfood. It’s also usually affordable, sustainable, and utterly delicious.
How to Make Perfect Pork Crackling Every Time
Achieving ultra-crispy pork rinds takes a few simple steps:
- Pat the skin completely dry before cooking. Any moisture prevents crackling.
- Generously coat the skin with oil and salt to crisp it up.
- Cook at a very high temp (480°F/250°C) to begin the crackling process.
- Then turn down the heat to finish roasting the meat while keeping the skin crispy.
Follow these crackling commandments, and you’ll wind up with tender meat and shatteringly crispy skin every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides go well with roasted pork belly?
Some delicious keto-friendly sides that pair beautifully with crispy pork belly include lemon broccoli puree with feta, cauliflower colcannon, roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta, and kale salad with bacon vinaigrette.
Can I freeze leftover pork belly?
Yes, freezing is a great way to save some crispy pork belly for later. Simply allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. It will keep for 2-3 months. To reheat, sauté the slices in butter over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to pork crackling?
Some clever veggie alternatives provide a similar crispy, salty crunch. Try slices of baked halloumi cheese or tofu “bacon” bits. Lightly coat them in oil and bake at a high temp until browned and crispy. They make excellent plant-based pork rind substitutes.
Roasted Pork Belly with Chicharrones (pork rinds)
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork belly
- 10 g salt
- 10 ml olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 240C.
- Cut the skin off the pork belly and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the whole pork belly with the salt, pepper and olive oil.
- Place on a roasting pan, skin side up, and place in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the skin begins to blister.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 160C and continue roasting for 1 – 1.25 hours.
- Remove from the oven, wrap the tray in aluminum foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Pork Belly with Chicharrones (pork rinds)
Serves: 8
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 587 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 34.8g | 52.3% | |
| Saturated Fat 14.6g | 70% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 144mg | 48% | |
| Sodium 2504mg | 104.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 0.1g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0 | |
| Sugars 0g | ||
| Protein 57.7g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium 1mg | Iron 0mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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