Lechon Macau Recipe

Place the pork belly in a large pot with clean water. Put it skin side down. Add the ginger and salt. Bring to a slow boil. Cook the pork belly for 3 to 5 minutes.

Transfer the pork onto a baking tray and pat it dry. Then, using a fork, poke as many holes as possible on the pork skin. Repeat several times. After poking, rub a pinch of salt on the rind.

Mix salt, Chinese five spice powder, and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle this dry rub evenly onto the meat. Place on a piece of foil and wrap the underside of the belly, leaving the skin exposed. Chill in the fridge overnight, uncovered. This will dry the skin before roasting.

Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C or 350 degrees F. Brush the vinegar onto the now-dried pork skin then cover the skin with sea salt evenly to form a protective layer. Place on a baking sheet, then place inside the preheated oven. Roast for 1 hour.

Remove the pork from the oven and remove the salt from the pork skin. Place the pork back in the oven on the middle rack. Place an aluminum tray underneath the rack to catch any pork drippings. Turn up the temperature to 220 degrees C or 425 degrees F.

Continue roasting the pork for another 25 to 30 minutes until the skin is crispy. Let the pork belly rest in the oven for 15 minutes until slightly cooled down. Transfer onto a carving board and chop into small serving-sized pieces. Served with mustard or hoisin sauce.