Crispy Roasted Pork Belly (Thịt Heo Quay)

Crispy Roasted Pork Belly (Thịt Heo Quay)

Crispy-skinned, juicy roasted pork belly infused with Vietnamese flavors.

Servings
4-6
Prep Time
20
mins
Cook Time
120
mins
Ingredients
11
Total Time
14
mins

Pantry bits

  • Fermented red bean curd (Nam Yu) – adds distinct umami depth and subtle sweetness
  • Chicken bouillon powder – enhances savory flavor and richness in the marinade
  • Soy sauce – provides saltiness and a deep, rich umami base
  • Shaoxing cooking wine – balances flavors and helps tenderize the meat
  • Rice vinegar – used to help crisp up the skin by drying it out

Ingredients

  • 1kg pork belly, skin-on
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp white pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and place it skin-side up on a tray.
  2. In a small bowl, mash the fermented red bean curd and mix it with five-spice powder, salt, sugar, white pepper, chicken bouillon powder, garlic, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.
  3. Rub the mixture onto the meat side only (avoid the skin).
  4. Turn the pork belly skin-side up and poke small holes all over the skin using a fork or skewer.
  5. Brush the skin with vinegar and rub salt evenly over the top.
  6. Place the pork in the fridge uncovered for at least 12 hours (overnight) to dry out the skin.
  7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  8. Place the pork belly on a wire rack over a baking tray lined with foil. Roast for 90 minutes.
  9. Increase the heat to 220°C (425°F) and roast for another 30 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  11. Serve with dipping sauce.

Thịt Heo Quay, or Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Pork Belly, is known for its incredibly crunchy crackling and juicy, flavorful meat. This dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, often served with rice, pickled vegetables, or in bánh mì sandwiches.

The key to perfect Thịt Heo Quay lies in the crispy skin, achieved by drying the pork overnight and roasting it at the right temperature. A mix of fermented red bean curd, Shaoxing wine, chicken bouillon powder, and five-spice powder gives the meat its signature umami depth. With a few simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home.

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