Crispy Roast Pork Belly

Instructions

1. Prepare the pork belly
   Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern, making cuts about 1/2 inch apart. Be careful not to cut into the meat below. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels.
2. Treat the skin
   Rub the baking soda all over the skin side of the pork belly. Leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. This process helps achieve a crispier crackling.
3. Season the meat
   Flip the pork belly over so the meat side is facing up. In a small bowl, mix together the five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the meat side and into the score marks, but not on the skin.
4. Salt the skin
   Turn the pork belly over again so the skin side is up. Brush the skin with the white vinegar (this helps the skin crisp up). Rub the coarse sea salt generously all over the skin. Place the pork belly on a rack over a baking tray and refrigerate, uncovered, overnight or for at least 8 hours to dry out the skin.
5. Prepare for roasting
   Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush off any excess salt from the skin and pat dry again if necessary.
6. Initial roasting
   Place the pork belly on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan (ensure it doesn't touch the meat). Brush the skin with vegetable oil and roast for 1 hour 30 minutes.
7. Crisp the crackling
   Increase the oven temperature to 230°C (450°F). Continue roasting for another 30-40 minutes, until the skin is completely crispy and has turned into crackling. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Rest and serve
   Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. For the best crackling, use a serrated knife to cut through the skin. Serve with your choice of sides such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.