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Pork Crackling Recipe

By: Author Austin Carter

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Hello, lovelies. Austin Carter Welcomes you all to Beyond The Bayou Blog to serve you something really crunchy today: Pork Crackling. Yes, cracklins. Addictive little morsels of tender pork belly fried until crispy and then tossed in some hot sauce and cracklin’ dust, aka seasonings.

These are not the ones you buy in the convenience store, these here, are the real deal! I remember this guy on his trailer at the fisherman market in Westwego frying up cracklins and selling them. I would always want to buy a bag and snack on them on the way home. Now, these are addictive but nothing that you want to just munch on all the time!

If you are able to find pork belly with the skin on, get it. It will add a nice crackling effect and extra crunch. The pork belly I used did not have the skin on but still came out crispy.

I adapted this recipe from Issac Toups, who owns Toups Meatery down in Nola. He is known for the meat-centered and Cajun dishes at his restaurant in Mid-City. The cracklins there are very good and so is the Dirty Rice!

So grab your apron, uncover your equipment, and start with today’s recipe to be a people pleaser.

What Is Pork Crackling?

Pork crackling is that delightful crispy snack you get from cooking the skin of a pig until it puffs up and becomes crunchy. Think of it like the ultimate pork chip! We season it with salt and spices to make it extra tasty. People love it because it’s so satisfyingly crunchy and savory, perfect for snacking or adding a crispy topping to dishes. The key is getting the skin just right during cooking to achieve that perfect crunchiness. It’s a favorite treat for pork enthusiasts everywhere, adding a deliciously crispy touch to meals and snacks alike with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pork Crackling Recipe (Whipping Up Crunchy Pork Goodness)

Pork Crackling Recipe

My pork crackling recipe features tender pork belly cooked in lard, then fried to a crispy golden brown. Seasoned with a blend of chile de árbol, salt, and spices, it’s finished with a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. Perfectly crunchy and flavorful!
4 from 1 vote
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: american southern
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 700kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 10

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Spice grinder or blender
  • Small Bowl
  • Paper Towels
  • Cooking Thermometer

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork belly, cut up into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup lard
  • peanut oil for frying
  • hot sauce to sprinkle on at the end
  • 2 tbsp chile de árbol, ground
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp  sugar 
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper, ground
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp celery seeds, ground

Instructions

  • In a Dutch oven, combine pork belly pieces and lard, bringing them to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and simmer until the meat starts to brown and becomes tender, about 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove the pork belly from the Dutch oven and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until cold.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the ground chile de árbol, kosher salt, sugar, white pepper, granulated garlic, and ground celery seeds to create the "Cracklin' Dust" seasoning.
  • Strain and reserve the lard from the Dutch oven for future use. Heat peanut oil in the Dutch oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Fry the cold pork belly in batches until puffed and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
  • Drain the fried pork belly pieces on paper towels. In a bowl or bag, toss the cracklin' pork belly with a few dashes of hot sauce and sprinkle the Cracklin' Dust seasoning over it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 700kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 70g | Sodium: 1200mg | Fiber: 1g
Keyword Easy pork crackling recipe, how to make pork crackling from skin, perfect pork crackling every time, Pork crackling recipe oven

Substitutions and Variations You May Be Looking For!

  1. Spicy Surprise: Try adding a kick to your Cracklin’ Dust by tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for those who love a bit of heat.
  2. Sweet & Tangy: For a sweet and tangy flavor, swap out the sugar in the seasoning with brown sugar or honey. It’ll add a caramelized goodness to your crackling.
  3. Herb Garden Magic: Elevate the flavors with fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or even a hint of sage. It brings a garden-fresh vibe to your pork belly.
  4. Asian Fusion Twist: Infuse Asian flavors by mixing soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil into the seasoning. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping as I do.
  5. Zesty Citrus Burst: Grate some lemon or lime zest into the Cracklin’ Dust for a zesty pop. It brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing touch.
  6. Smokehouse Dream: Swap regular salt with smoked salt and add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky, barbecue-like flavor. Perfect for those backyard cookouts!
  7. Heritage Spice Blend: Create your unique spice blend with family heirloom spices or regional favorites. It’s a nod to tradition and adds a personal touch to your crackling.
  8. Healthy Crunch: Opt for leaner cuts like pork loin or chicken breast strips. They’ll still crisp up beautifully and offer a healthier alternative.
  9. Veggie Delight: Turn this into a vegetarian delight by using thick-cut slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Marinate them in garlic, soy sauce, and your favorite herbs before coating them with the Cracklin Dust.
  10. Dip & Dive: Pair your crackling with different dips like tangy barbecue sauce, Sriracha Mayo, or a creamy aioli. It’s all about the dip and crunch combo!

What to Serve with Pork Crackling?

What to Serve with Pork Crackling

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