Recipe

Crispy Greek Pork Belly (Tsigaristo)

Mediterranean Delight: Crispy Greek Pork Belly

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Greek cuisine with this mouthwatering recipe for Crispy Greek Pork Belly. This traditional dish, known as Tsigaristo, features tender pork belly with a perfectly crispy skin, infused with aromatic herbs and spices.

Meat Dish› Lamb/Mutton Dish› Tsigaristo

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

2 hours 30 minutes

Total time

2 hours 50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Mediterranean diet, Low-carb diet, Gluten-free diet, Dairy-free diet, Paleo diet

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegetarian diet, Vegan diet, Kosher diet, Halal diet, Nut-free diet

Ingredients

2 pounds (900g) pork belly 2 pounds (900g) pork belly
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried thyme
4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 40g, 14g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 0g, 0g
Protein: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2.
Score the skin of the pork belly with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern.
3.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
4.
Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5.
Place the pork belly on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan.
6.
Drizzle the olive oil over the pork belly.
7.
Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
8.
Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) and continue roasting for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.
9.
Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10.
Serve the Crispy Greek Pork Belly with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pork belly — Make sure to score the skin of the pork belly to allow the fat to render and the skin to become crispy. Scoring also helps the marinade penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy skin, pat the pork belly dry with paper towels before scoring and seasoning.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
To ensure even cooking, use a wire rack to elevate the pork belly in the roasting pan.
Letting the pork belly rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispiness of the skin.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Greek Pork Belly as the main dish, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the meat. Pair it with a fresh Greek salad and roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Crispy Greek Pork Belly on a platter, showcasing the beautifully golden and crackling skin. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for an added touch of elegance.