Crispy Pork Belly, or Thịt Heo Quay, is a classic dish in Vietnamese cuisine that features a striking combination of tender meat, rich fat layers, and golden crackling skin. This dish is celebrated not just for its incredible texture contrast, but also for the bold flavors created by an aromatic five-spice rub. Traditionally served during family gatherings, Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), or festive banquets, this recipe holds a special place in Vietnamese culinary tradition. While it may look complicated, this pork belly dish is surprisingly approachable with the right preparation and oven technique. The magic lies in drying out the pork skin before roasting and carefully managing the heat to ensure blistered, crispy skin with juicy, flavorful meat below. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cooking or looking to recreate a nostalgic dish, this pork belly delivers a hearty, crowd-pleasing result.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Pork belly (about 2 to 3 pounds)

• Salt

• Vinegar or rice wine vinegar

• Five-spice powder

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Sugar

• White pepper

• Oil

Directions

• Rinse and pat the pork belly completely dry

• Score or prick the skin to help it crisp up during cooking

• Mix five-spice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, white pepper, and salt to create the seasoning rub

• Rub the seasoning all over the meat side, avoiding the skin

• Let the pork marinate uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry out the skin

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

• Roast the pork belly for about 60–75 minutes

• Turn on the broiler or increase temperature for the final 10–15 minutes to blister and crisp the skin

• Let the pork rest before slicing to maintain juiciness

• Serve warm with dipping sauce, rice, or pickled vegetables

Nutrients

• High in protein

• Rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin)

• Contains healthy fats (when consumed in moderation)

• Good source of zinc and iron

• High-calorie, energy-dense meal

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Crispy Pork Belly recipe stands out for its ability to transform a humble cut of meat into a restaurant-worthy dish using techniques that anyone can master at home. Unlike deep-frying, which can be messy and intimidating, this recipe uses an oven-based method to create that signature crackling skin. The combination of a dry marinade with a carefully controlled roasting process ensures that the skin becomes shatteringly crisp, while the meat underneath stays juicy and tender. The use of five-spice powder adds a rich, aromatic depth that reflects the warm, comforting flavors of Vietnamese home cooking. What truly makes this version exceptional is its balance—crispy without being greasy, savory with a touch of sweetness, and flavorful without relying on overly complicated ingredients. It delivers a textural and flavor experience that satisfies both the craving for comfort food and the desire for culinary sophistication.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe is selected not only for its flavor but also for the role it plays in the texture and success of the dish. Pork belly is naturally rich and flavorful, thanks to its alternating layers of fat and meat. This composition allows the pork to remain juicy during roasting while the fat renders down, contributing to a tender texture and deep flavor. The five-spice powder, a cornerstone of Vietnamese seasoning, adds an unmistakable aroma and complexity. Its blend typically includes cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns—each contributing to a symphony of warmth, spice, and fragrance.

Garlic and onion powders are subtle yet essential in building umami without overwhelming the natural pork taste. White pepper adds a mild, earthy heat that works in harmony with the spice blend, while sugar introduces a necessary touch of sweetness to round out the savory flavors and encourage caramelization. Salt not only seasons the meat but also assists in drawing moisture out of the skin, which is crucial for achieving that golden crunch. Finally, vinegar helps break down the proteins in the skin and further dries it, setting the stage for the skin to puff and crisp during roasting. Together, these ingredients form a thoughtful combination of taste, aroma, and texture that elevates the dish far beyond the sum of its parts.

Cooking Tips

Success with this dish comes down to preparation and patience. One of the most important steps is drying the pork skin thoroughly. After rinsing the meat, pat the surface dry with paper towels and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This step ensures the skin has the best chance of blistering and crisping during roasting. Scoring or pricking the skin also allows fat to escape and the skin to puff up properly. Use a sharp knife or metal skewer, and be careful not to pierce too deeply into the meat.

When applying the marinade, be sure to keep the skin side completely free of any seasoning or moisture. Spices and oils on the skin can prevent it from crisping. Place the pork belly on a wire rack when roasting to allow air to circulate underneath and fat to drain off, resulting in even cooking and less greasiness. Toward the end of roasting, increase the heat or use the broiler setting, but monitor the pork closely. The skin can go from crispy to burnt in a matter of minutes. If certain areas are not crisping evenly, rotate the meat or tent sections with foil to protect them while others finish blistering.

Finally, resist the temptation to slice the pork immediately after roasting. Letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice through the crispy skin cleanly, and serve the pork belly warm for the best eating experience.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Pork Belly is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different meals and occasions. The most traditional pairing is with steamed jasmine rice, which provides a neutral base that complements the bold flavors of the pork. Add pickled vegetables such as carrots and daikon to cut through the richness and introduce a tangy crunch. For a more refreshing take, serve the pork in lettuce wraps with fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. This combination offers a lighter, low-carb option that still delivers big flavor.

Another popular way to enjoy crispy pork belly is in a bánh mì—the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Layer slices of pork into a crusty baguette with pickled vegetables, cucumber, jalapeños, and a drizzle of hoisin or spicy mayo for a satisfying meal on the go. You can also include pork belly in noodle salads or vermicelli bowls. The richness of the pork pairs beautifully with chilled noodles, fresh greens, and tangy dipping sauce.

For entertaining or potlucks, slice the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve them as appetizers with dipping sauces such as nuoc cham (Vietnamese fish sauce dip), chili vinegar, or garlic soy sauce. The crispy skin makes it a fun finger food, and the flavors are bold enough to stand on their own. No matter how it’s served, this dish brings a bit of celebration to the table and offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Conclusion

Crispy Pork Belly is more than just a dish—it’s a sensory experience that brings people together around the table. With its crackling skin, succulent meat, and balanced spices, this recipe captures the heart of Vietnamese cuisine in a single bite. The process of preparing this dish invites mindfulness and care, from drying the skin to managing the oven temperature, but the reward is well worth the effort. It’s a dish that invites celebration and satisfies cravings in a deeply comforting way.

Whether served at a family dinner, holiday feast, or as part of a Vietnamese-inspired meal, this pork belly recipe offers a stunning balance of texture, flavor, and aroma. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when handled thoughtfully, can result in something extraordinary. For those who love the contrast of crisp and tender, rich and aromatic, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again—because nothing quite compares to the joy of that first crunch.