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What to do with pork belly skin?

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What can I do with pork belly skin?

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Hey everyone! I just bought a piece of pork belly for stir-frying and ended up removing the skin because it can be pretty tough to chew. Instead of throwing it away, I’m curious if there are any ways to use it or even to tenderize it. I hate to waste food! I’m new to cooking and found it a bit challenging to slice through the raw pork belly, especially the skin, even with a sharp knife 😅. Just so you know, I’m following along with this video for my stir-fry. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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One response to “What to do with pork belly skin?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s great that you’re looking to make use of the pork belly skin instead of throwing it away! There are several ways you can repurpose it:

    1. Make Cracklings: One of the most popular uses for pork belly skin is to make cracklings or chicharrones. You can cut the skin into small pieces, season them with salt and any other spices you like, and then fry them until crispy. Just be mindful of splattering hot oil!

    2. Add to Broth: You can use the skin to enhance the flavor of a broth or stock. Just add it to the pot while simmering your broth, and then remove it before using the broth in soups or sauces. The skin will impart a rich flavor.

    3. Render Lard: If you’re into making your own lard, you can render the fat from the skin. Cut it into small pieces and cook them slowly over low heat until the fat is released, and you’re left with crispy bits and liquid lard.

    4. Incorporate into Stews or Braises: If you’re making a stew or braise, you can add the skin to the pot. It will soften during cooking and add flavor to the dish. Just be aware that the texture will still be a bit chewy.

    5. Tenderizing: If you want to try to tenderize it for other cooking methods, you could try simmering the skin in water or broth for a while before using it in a dish. This can help break down some of the tough collagen.

    Whatever you decide to do, just make sure to properly clean and prepare the skin before using it. Happy cooking!

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