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Cracklins (Deep Fried Pork Belly)
On December 24, 2023 by userCracklins, also known as pork cracklings or chicharrones, are crispy fried pork belly or pork skin, often enjoyed as a snack or used as a topping for dishes. Here’s a recipe for making Cracklins, specifically focusing on deep-fried pork belly:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, skin-on, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Belly:
- Ensure that the pork belly pieces are dry. Use paper towels to pat them down, removing any excess moisture.
- Score the Skin:
- If the skin on your pork belly is not already scored, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the skin. This helps the skin to crisp up during frying.
- Season the Pork Belly:
- In a bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Mix well.
- Season the Pork Belly Pieces:
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the pork belly pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for better flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Fry the Pork Belly:
- Carefully add the seasoned pork belly pieces to the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Deep Fry Until Crispy:
- Fry the pork belly pieces until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Drain Excess Oil:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cracklins from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Season Again (Optional):
- While the cracklins are still hot, you can sprinkle a bit more seasoning over them for extra flavor.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the cracklins warm as a snack or side dish.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy the crispy goodness of homemade cracklins!
Cracklins are a delicious and crunchy treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a flavorful topping for salads, soups, or other dishes. Adjust the seasonings to your liking and have fun experimenting with different flavors.