Pork
Pork scratchings
Pork scratchings are a popular snack made from the crispy, fried skin of a pig. They are seasoned with salt and sometimes spices, offering a crunchy texture and savory flavor. Often enjoyed as a bar snack or appetizer, pork scratchings are a traditional treat in many cuisines and are loved for their rich, indulgent taste.
Total Time
mins
Preparation Time
mins
Cooking Time
mins
Yields
servings
Difficulty
Instructions
Remove the skin from the pork belly and cut into 1 inch square pieces. It helps to have 1/2cm of fat left on the skin
a. 1 pork belly skin
Place the squares in a container and cover with malt vinegar and a handful of salt. Leave for 2 hours
a. malt vinegar
b. 1 handful of salt
Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6
Strain off the vinegar marinade and reserve for the next time you make scratchings. Place the skin pieces in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then drain and place the scratchings in a tray
Cook in the oven for 20–30 minutes until crisp. Drain off the fat and dry the scratchings on kitchen paper
Preheat a deep fryer to 120°C
Finally, fry the scratchings for 4 minutes then drain on kitchen paper. Season with salt and serve