Are you a fan of crispy pork crackling but struggle to achieve the perfect result? Look no further than your trusty microwave!
While it may seem unconventional, microwaving pork crackling can actually be a game-changer in achieving that coveted crunch. But how exactly do you do it without making a mess or burning the crackling?
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for cooking pork crackling in the microwave, so you can enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious results every time.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Crackling In The Microwave?
First things first, you’ll need to remove the crackling from your roast pork. Once you’ve done that, place the crackling upside down on a microwave-safe plate.
Next, wrap a length of paper towel over the crackling and tuck the free ends under the plate so that the towel remains in place in the microwave. This is crucial to avoid any fat splatter in your microwave.
Set your microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes (no longer as it may burn the crackling). You’ll hear some violent crackling sounds, but don’t worry if you followed step 2 – the paper towel will trap all the fat splatter.
Once the time is up, remove the plate from the microwave and carefully remove the paper towel. The crackling may be rubbery at first, but as it cools it will become crisp.
It’s important to note that microwaving pork crackling is a rescue method for when your crackling turns out less than perfect. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s best to follow traditional methods such as pre-salting and starting off in a blisteringly hot oven.
Why Use The Microwave For Pork Crackling?
Using the microwave to cook pork crackling is a quick and easy method that can save you from a disappointing result. It’s especially useful when traditional methods have failed or when you’re short on time. Microwaving the crackling allows it to puff up and become crispy, without the need for additional fat or oil.
Another advantage of using the microwave is that it’s a relatively low-mess method. By wrapping the crackling in a paper towel, you can avoid any splattering or mess in your microwave. This is particularly important when dealing with hot fat, as it can be dangerous and difficult to clean up.
Microwaving pork crackling is also a good option for those who are trying to watch their fat intake. By using the microwave instead of frying or roasting in fat, you can reduce the amount of fat in your dish while still achieving a crispy result.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork
When it comes to achieving the perfect pork crackling, choosing the right cut of pork is crucial. While any cut of pork can be used to make crackling, some cuts are better than others.
For the best results, it’s recommended to use a boneless pork shoulder. This cut of meat has a good ratio of fat to meat, which is essential for crispy crackling. Additionally, the shoulder cut is well marbled with fat, which helps to keep the meat moist and tender.
It’s important to note that the cooking process for pork crackling requires high heat to bring the roast meat to temperature and to quickly render fat from the skin. This creates the best crispy crackling. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a cut of pork that has a good layer of fat on top.
While other cuts of pork can be used, they may require additional steps such as scoring the skin or rubbing oil into the skin to achieve the desired crispy texture.
Preparing The Pork For Microwaving
Before microwaving pork, it is important to properly prepare the meat. First, cut the pork into smaller, uniform pieces. Smaller boneless cuts of pork work best in the microwave, but larger cuts can also be cooked if the bones are removed.
When microwaving larger cuts, arrange the pieces so that the larger, denser pieces are placed around the outer edge while placing the smaller pieces in the middle. This will help ensure that all pieces cook evenly.
It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual because different varieties of microwaves vary in cooking times, depending on their size and wattage. Pork should be microwaved at a medium to low setting, with larger cuts being cooked at a lower setting than smaller cuts to allow the heat to penetrate into the center of the cut without overcooking the outer layers.
Pork should not be cooked on high settings in the microwave because it causes the meat to become tough. Smaller pork cuts should be placed in a microwave-safe dish and covered as instructed by the recipe. Part way through cooking, the pieces should be rearranged by turning and exchanging positions of pieces that are cooking faster with those that are cooking more slowly.
After cooking, it is important to observe standing times stated in recipes before testing for doneness because the meat will continue to cook through conduction after it is taken out of the microwave. After the proper standing time, test the meat for doneness with a meat thermometer in several locations to ensure that it has been cooked evenly throughout. Its final temperature should be 145°F.
Remember, pork should never be partially cooked in the microwave unless it is going to be transferred immediately to another heat source to finish cooking. Proper preparation and cooking techniques will ensure that your microwaved pork is juicy and tender.
Microwaving Techniques For Perfect Pork Crackling
Microwaving pork crackling can be a quick and easy solution for rescuing failed batches of crackling. Here are some microwaving techniques to help you achieve perfect pork crackling:
1. Use a microwave-safe plate: Place your crackling on a microwave-safe plate to avoid any damage to your microwave.
2. Cover with a paper towel: Cover the crackling with a paper towel to prevent any fat splatter in your microwave. Tuck the free ends of the paper towel under the plate to keep it in place.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes: Set your microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the amount of crackling you have. Be careful not to overcook it as it may burn.
4. Let it cool: Once the time is up, remove the plate from the microwave and carefully remove the paper towel. The crackling may be rubbery at first, but as it cools it will become crisp.
It’s important to note that microwaving pork crackling is not the traditional method and should only be used as a rescue method. For best results, pre-salt your pork rind and start off in a blisteringly hot oven. With these microwaving techniques, you can still achieve perfect pork crackling in just a few minutes!
Safety Tips For Microwaving Pork Crackling
When microwaving pork crackling, it’s important to follow some safety tips to avoid any accidents or injuries. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use a microwave-safe plate: Make sure the plate you use is safe for use in the microwave. Avoid using metal plates as they can cause sparks and fires.
2. Use a paper towel: Wrap the pork crackling in a paper towel to prevent any fat splatter in the microwave. This will also help to absorb any excess moisture, resulting in crispier crackling.
3. Don’t overcook: Microwaving pork crackling for too long can cause it to burn and become tough. Start with 1-2 minutes on high heat and check the crackling frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Let it cool: After removing the plate from the microwave, let the crackling cool for a few minutes before handling it. This will allow it to crisp up and become easier to handle.
5. Be careful when removing the paper towel: The paper towel may be hot and greasy, so use caution when removing it from the plate.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy delicious and crispy pork crackling cooked in the microwave without any accidents or injuries.
Serving And Enjoying Your Perfectly Crispy Pork Crackling
Congratulations, you’ve successfully cooked the perfect pork crackling! Now it’s time to serve and enjoy it.
The first step is to cut the crackling into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Make sure to cut through both the skin and the layer of fat underneath.
You can serve the crackling as a snack on its own, or as a side dish to your roast pork. It pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces such as apple sauce, mustard, or even hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
When it comes to storing leftover crackling, make sure to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving to regain its crispiness.
Remember that while pork crackling is delicious, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat content. So indulge yourself, but don’t overdo it!