How to Remove the Skin from Pork Belly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pork belly is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. However, removing the skin from pork belly can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to cooking. This comprehensive guide will provide a step-by-step process for removing the skin from pork belly, ensuring a clean and efficient result.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Paper towels

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Belly

Place the pork belly on a cutting board, skin side up.
Pat the skin dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Score the Skin

Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly in a diamond pattern. This will help the skin crisp up and prevent it from shrinking too much during cooking.

Step 4: Loosen the Skin

Insert the tip of your knife between the skin and the meat, starting from one corner of the pork belly.
Carefully run the knife along the surface of the meat, separating the skin from the fat.

Step 5: Remove the Skin

Once the skin is loosened, use your fingers to gently pull it away from the meat.
Continue pulling the skin until it is completely removed.

Step 6: Clean the Meat

Once the skin is removed, use a paper towel to clean any remaining fat or connective tissue from the surface of the meat.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Skinless Pork Belly

Your pork belly is now ready to be cooked according to your desired recipe.

Tips for Success

Use a sharp knife to ensure a clean cut and prevent tearing the skin.
Keep the knife at a slight angle to the surface of the meat to avoid cutting into the meat itself.
Be patient and take your time to avoid making any mistakes.
If you encounter any resistance while removing the skin, use the tip of your knife to gently loosen it.

Removing the skin from pork belly is a simple process that can be mastered with a little practice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a clean and professional-looking result every time. Whether you are roasting, braising, or grilling your pork belly, removing the skin will allow you to create delicious and visually appealing dishes that will impress your family and friends.

HOW TO REMOVE THE SKIN FROM A PORK BELLY JOINT – Cooking with Chef Dai

FAQ

Why is pork belly skin tough?

If the heat is too high, the skin will get rock hard, along with the meat. That’s why we use medium heat when we fry. And don’t forget to dry the pork as much as possible first. The drier it is, the crispier the skin.

Do you cut the skin off pork belly for bacon?

Remove the skin. (It also blocks the absorption of the cure and smoke flavors.) Commercial smokehouses remove it using a slicing machine. At home, you’ll have to work a bit harder.

How do you separate pork skin from fat?

You use the knife to cut and separate the skin from the meat and end up with long strips of fat. The skin separates from the meat nicely if you work at the interface layer of the skin and the meat. With fat, you do a similar method.

How do you soften the skin on pork belly?

In a shallow pan add two inches of water and bring to boil. Poach the pork belly skin face down in the boiling water for 4 minutes, without turning it over. After 4 minutes, the skin will soften and curl up a little. Remove the pork belly from the hot water and dry with a paper towel.