Dinner Recipe: Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling

Overview

Nothing beats the golden crunch of perfectly crispy pork crackling paired with tender, juicy meat. This classic roast pork recipe delivers the ultimate balance of crispiness and succulence, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal. The secret? Scoring the skin, seasoning it well, and roasting at the right temperature. Follow these simple steps for irresistible roast pork every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy Perfection – Achieve that golden, crunchy crackling everyone craves.
✔ Juicy & Tender – The meat stays moist and flavorful.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples make this dish shine.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

- ½ kg pork leg (bone-in) or boned & rolled shoulder
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ¼ lemon, juiced
- ¼ tbsp sea salt

Serving sizes are approximate—adjust seasoning as needed.

Method

Step 1: Prep the Pork

• Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F).
• Using a sharp knife, score the pork skin in parallel lines, cutting through to the meat.

*** Tip: Don’t cut too deep—just enough to separate the skin without cutting through the fat layer.

Step 2: Season for the Perfect Crackling

• Rub the entire pork thoroughly with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Massage sea salt into the skin, making sure to work it into the scored lines.
• The salt draws out moisture, helping to create that crispy, crunchy texture.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

• Place the pork uncovered in a large roasting pan.
• Roast at 250°C (480°F) for 30 minutes—this blasts the skin, starting the crackling process.
• Reduce heat to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for 25 minutes per 500g, or about 1½ hours in total.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

• Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes.
• This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the meat tender.
• Carve into slices and serve with your favorite sides.

Bonus Tips for the Ultimate Crackling

✅ Dry the skin overnight – Pat dry and refrigerate the pork uncovered for extra crispy results.
✅ Use coarse salt – Fine salt dissolves too quickly; sea salt gives better crunch.
✅ Avoid covering the roast – Moisture is the enemy of crispy crackling!

Final Thoughts

Mastering roast pork with crispy crackling is easier than you think! By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve crispy, golden skin and juicy, flavorful meat every time. Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a perfect home-cooked meal!