CRISPY KETO PORK BELLY WITH GARLIC BUTTER

Crispy Keto Pork Belly With Garlic Butter Recipe

A show-stopping main dish with perfectly crispy skin and tender meat.

KEY INFO

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: 580 per serving
• Fat: 52g
• Protein: 28g
• Net Carbs: 1g
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Baking sheet with wire rack
• Sharp knife
• Meat thermometer
• Small saucepan
• Paper towels
• Alternative: Roasting pan with elevated rack

INGREDIENTS

For the Pork:

• 2-3 lb (1-1.4 kg) skin-on pork belly
• 2 tbsp (30ml) avocado oil
• 1 tbsp (15g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (5g) black pepper
• 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5g) onion powder

For the Garlic Butter:

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp lemon zest

METHOD

1. 1. Score pork belly skin in a diamond pattern, making cuts ¼ inch deep.
   2. Pat skin completely dry with paper towels (crucial step!).
   3. Mix all seasonings except salt.
   4. Season meat side (not skin) with spice mixture.
   5. Rub skin with salt and oil.
   6. Place uncovered in fridge for 2-24 hours to dry skin.
   7. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
   8. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

1. 1. Place pork on rack, skin-side up.
   2. Roast for 2 hours.
   3. Increase temperature to 450°F (230°C).
   4. Roast additional 20-30 minutes until skin is golden and bubbled.

1. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

For the Garlic Butter:

1. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in parsley and lemon zest.

CRUCIAL TIPS

• Skin MUST be completely dry for crackling.
• Score skin carefully – don’t cut into meat.
• Watch closely during final high-heat phase.
• Let meat rest before cutting.

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

• Refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat at 350°F until heated through.

Scaling:

• Recipe easily doubles for larger portions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Wet skin = no crackling.
• Skipping the drying time.
• Cutting too deep when scoring.
• Not letting meat rest.

Variations:

• Asian-style: Add Chinese five-spice.
• Herb-crusted: Add rosemary and thyme.
• Spicy: Add chili powder to seasoning mix.