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Crispy Pork Belly

Crispy Pork Belly with Refreshing Watermelon Gastrique Delight

This crispy pork belly recipe blends rich espresso flavors with refreshing watermelon, making it a must-try for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Chilling Time 12 hours
Total Time 15 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Belly Brine
  • 900 grams Pork belly Look for well-marbled cuts
  • 2 cups Scallions, sliced Green onions can be a substitute
  • 8 slices Ginger Fresh ginger is best
  • 1 pint Shaoxing wine Dry sherry can be used if unavailable
  • 1.25 cups Tamari Regular soy sauce can be used
  • 1 cup Nespresso Diavolitto Other espresso options may suffice
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil For sautéing and frying
  • 2 tablespoons Rock sugar Brown sugar can be a substitute
For the Pickled Watermelon Rind
  • 16 ounces Watermelon rind Cucumber can be a substitute
  • 1 square Kombu Omit if unavailable
For the Mint Toum
  • 125 grams Lemon juice Lime juice serves as a good alternative
  • 120 grams Garlic, sliced Reduce for a milder touch
  • 10 grams Minced mint leaves Dried mint can be used in smaller amounts
For the Watermelon Gastrique
  • 4 ounces Shallots Can be replaced by sweet onion
  • 32 ounces Watermelon juice Homemade or store-bought

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • saucepan
  • Blender
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by heating neutral oil in a saucepan. Add the rock sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Introduce the pork belly, cooking until it's caramelized and infused with flavor.
  2. In a Dutch oven, layer the sliced scallions and ginger at the bottom. Place the seem golden pork belly on top and pour in the Shaoxing wine, tamari, and Nespresso.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 90 minutes. After that, flip the pork belly and let it simmer for another 90 minutes until tender.
  4. Once cooked, move the pork belly to a sheet tray. Using another tray or weight, press it down, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to set.
  5. Combine watermelon rind in a brine of sugar, salt, and Champagne vinegar. Let it soak overnight for a tangy, flavorful addition.
  6. In a blender, combine lemon juice, sliced garlic, and then gradually pour in oil while blending until creamy. Fold in the minced mint leaves and a pinch of salt.
  7. Sauté shallots in butter until soft. Add watermelon juice and simmer until the mixture thickens.
  8. Remove the pork belly from the fridge, dredge in rice flour, and deep fry until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  9. To serve, slice the crispy pork belly and arrange it alongside dressed watermelon, garnished with pickles and a drizzle of mint Toum.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light salads or rice for a complete meal experience.

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