Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 2 hours | Total: 2 hours 15 minutes | Serves: 6–8
Best For: Sunday lunches, holiday feasts, family gatherings

An Easy Roast Dinner Everyone Loves

Roast Pork with Crackling is a timeless favourite, delivering juicy meat and beautifully crispy skin with just a few simple steps. This method keeps everything straightforward—dry the pork skin well, season generously, and roast at high heat to create perfect blistered crackling.

This dish is a centrepiece meal that brings people together. Whether it’s served at to‘ona‘i, Christmas lunch, or a cozy Sunday dinner, it fills the home with warmth, comfort, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Roast Pork with Crackling

• 1.5–2 kg pork shoulder or pork belly (skin on)

• 1–2 tbsp oil

• 1–2 tbsp coarse sea salt

• Pepper, to taste

Optional (for seasoning under the skin):

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Rosemary or thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pork. Pat the skin completely dry using paper towel. For best results, leave the pork uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry out the skin.

2. Score the skin. Use a sharp knife to score thin lines across the skin, without cutting into the meat.

3. Season. If the skin is loosened, rub optional seasonings directly onto the meat underneath. Rub oil over the skin, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

4. Start roasting hot. Place the pork on a wire rack over a baking tray. Roast at 240°C (460°F) for 20–30 minutes, or until the crackling begins to blister.

5. Lower the heat. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for 1.5–2 hours, until the meat is tender and cooked through.

6. Finish the crackling. If needed, return the oven to 240°C for the final 10 minutes to crisp up any soft spots.

7. Rest and serve. Let the pork rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with roast vegetables, salad, or taro.

Helpful Tips

• Dry skin is essential for perfect crackling; overnight drying works best.

• Coarse sea salt creates the best blistered crackling texture.

• A wire rack helps hot air circulate evenly under the roast.

• Do not cover the pork at any stage—steam softens the crackling.

Why This Recipe Works

• Foolproof, beginner-friendly method for crispy crackling.

• Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

• Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or Sunday dinners.

• Produces juicy meat and blistered crackling every time.

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