How Long to Cook Pork Belly Slices in the Oven for Perfectly Crispy Results

Pork belly is a fabulously fatty and flavorful cut of meat that becomes meltingly tender and crispy when cooked properly. Oven roasting pork belly slices results in finger-licking good perfection, but knowing how long to cook them is key. Undercook pork belly, and you’ll end up with chewy meat and soft fat. Cook it too long, and it dries out. Follow this guide for tips on cook times and techniques for achieving beautifully caramelized and tender oven-baked pork belly slices every time.

Why Cook Pork Belly Slices in the Oven?

While you can pan fry or grill pork belly, using the oven offers some major benefits:

• Hands-free cooking without having to watch the stove.

• Even heating from all sides for thorough cooking

• Time for fat to render slowly, ensuring crispy crackling.

• Ability to cook multiple slices evenly on sheet pans,

• Easy cleanup compared to stovetop spatters.

Oven roasting is ideal for getting fork-tender pork encased in shatteringly crispy golden fat and skin.

Factors that Affect Cook Time

Several factors impact how long you’ll need to bake pork belly slices to perfection:

Thickness

Thinner slices around 1⁄2-inch thick will roast faster than 1 1⁄2-inch thick slabs. For thin pieces allow 30-40 minutes, while thicker belly may need 50 minutes to over 1 hour.

Fat Content

Belly with more fat takes longer for the fat to melt and become crispy. Leaner pieces cook quicker.

Temperature

Cooking at a lower 275°F makes for slower, gentler roasting than at 375°F or above.

Size of Pieces

Individual slices roast faster than a large pork belly roast. Smaller pieces have more surface area exposed to heat.

Preheating Pan

Preheating the baking sheet in the oven shortens cook time since it sears and crisps from below immediately.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you estimate the baking time needed for perfect pork belly every time.

Average Oven Cook Times

As a general guideline for 1-inch thick slices or smaller belly pieces, roast at 400°F for:

• 30-40 minutes for very thin sliced strips around 1⁄2 inch thick.

• 40-50 minutes for standard 1-inch thick slices.

• 50-60 minutes for fatty pork belly or up to 1 1⁄2 inches thick.

Check for doneness at the lower end of the time range given and extend cooking if still underdone. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Always watch closely near the end to prevent burning. If the belly seems to be browning too fast, tent it with foil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Baked Pork Belly

Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-roasted pork belly every time:

1. Choose the Right Cut

Select pork belly slices 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick with ample marbling. Avoid pieces with very lean meat or large chunks of hard fat.

2. Score the Skin

Use a sharp knife to cut slashes across the skin and fat about 1⁄4 inch deep. This helps render the fat for crisping.

3. Apply Dry Rub

Coat both sides with a dry rub of salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and spices. Let sit 15 minutes.

4. Preheat the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a sheet pan or wire rack inside and preheat 5 minutes.

5. Arrange on Hot Pan

Carefully lay slices on the hot pan. Space apart for air flow.

6. Roast Until Crisp

Cook for estimated time, checking periodically. Roast until skin is browned and crackly.

7. Finish with Sauce (Optional)

Brush with barbecue or glaze during last 10-15 minutes if desired.

8. Let Rest Before Serving

Allow to rest 5-10 minutes for juices to settle before slicing.

Following these simple steps will reward you with mouthwatering oven-baked pork belly with crisp, golden skin and succulently moist meat every time.

Handy Pork Belly Roasting Tips

• Dry meat thoroughly before seasoning for best browning.

• Refrigerate uncovered post-seasoning to help dry skin.

• Roast skin-side up to promote crisping.

• Drain fat midway for crispier skin.

• Brush skin with oil if lacking enough fat.

• Cook to just 145°F for tender, juicy meat.

• Let rest before cutting for juicier slices.

Try Out Flavorful Sauces and Rubs

After mastering the basic oven roasting method, get creative with flavors. Consider rubbing the pork belly with:

• Brown sugar and five spice powder
• Smoked paprika and cumin
• Chili powder and lime zest
• Cajun seasoning
• Jerk seasoning
• BBQ rub

Or glazing the belly toward the end with:

• Hoisin sauce
• Gochujang and honey
• Teriyaki sauce
• Bourbon peach glaze
• Spicy Sriracha

The possibilities are endless for customizing scrumptious baked pork belly to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pork Belly

Enjoy oven-roasted pork belly slices in tacos, sandwiches, over rice or noodles, or on salads. Some tasty sides to serve include:

• Steamed broccoli
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Quinoa salad
• Fried rice

However you slice it, baked pork belly is sure to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer, entree, or side at your next meal.

Now that you know exactly how long to roast pork belly slices for meltingly tender meat and crispy skin, go enjoy this incredible cut of meat. Mastering the oven roasting method opens up countless possibilities for flavorful pork belly recipes your whole family is sure to devour.