Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Servings: Variable
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pork skin, with a good layer of fat attached
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: Paprika, garlic powder, or other seasonings for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Skin:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the pork skin is clean and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Score the Skin:
- Using a sharp knife, score the pork skin into small squares or rectangles. Ensure the cuts go through the skin but not into the fat layer.
3. Rub with Olive Oil:
- Rub the pork skin with olive oil, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts. This helps in achieving a crispy texture.
4. Season:
- Sprinkle salt over the pork skin, ensuring it gets into the cuts. You can also add additional seasonings like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
- Place the pork skin on a baking sheet, skin side up, ensuring it’s in a single layer. If you have a wire rack, placing it on the rack can help the heat circulate for even crispiness.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary.
7. Cool:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the pork scratching cool for a few minutes.
8. Cut and Serve:
- Cut the pork scratching into bite-sized pieces. They should be crispy and have a satisfying crunch.
9. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately as a snack or accompaniment to your favorite drinks.
Tips:
- If the pork skin is not available, you can usually ask your local butcher for a piece.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Note:
- Pork scratchings are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness if needed.
