Are you looking for a show-stopping, yet surprisingly easy, dinner recipe? Look no further! This Costco pork belly recipe delivers incredibly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat, all without hours of slaving over a hot stove. It's the perfect blend of delicious and easy, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe transforms a humble cut of meat into a truly memorable dish, perfect for impressing family and friends. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb Costco pork belly, skin scored (approximately 1-1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage are great choices)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that extra crispy skin! Generously season the skin and meat sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Belly
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (Dutch oven is ideal) over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly, skin-side down, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
Step 3: Roast the Pork Belly
Place the onion quarters and smashed garlic cloves around the pork belly in the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Add your fresh herbs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Roast for approximately 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork belly is fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F (90-93°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork belly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Slice the pork belly and serve. The crispy skin is absolutely amazing!
Tips for the Best Costco Pork Belly:
- Scoring the Skin: Make sure to score the skin deeply but not through the meat. This allows for maximum crispiness.
- Pat it Dry: Thoroughly drying the skin before searing is essential for achieving that perfect crackling.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Searing in batches ensures even browning.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This simplifies the cooking process and ensures even heat distribution.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork belly is cooked through.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the roasting liquid for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Braise: Replace the chicken broth and wine with apple cider for a delicious fall-inspired dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your pork belly and serving size. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and serving size.
This Costco pork belly recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy skin and tender meat is truly irresistible. It's a delicious and relatively easy recipe perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. Enjoy!