A classic roast pork joint with its irresistible, crispy crackling is the epitome of a perfect Sunday lunch. But achieving that perfect crunch can be a culinary challenge, especially when you’re juggling all the other elements of a grand feast. Fear not, because Michelin-star chef Kate Austen, now guiding home cooks through Asda’s Culinary Concierge service, has revealed her secret weapon for crafting the ultimate pork crackling.
Kate’s ingenious trick lies in a simple, two-step process that starts with a generous dose of salt. She recommends salting the pork generously, twice the amount you would normally use for vegetables or potatoes, for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes. This crucial step draws out excess water, setting the stage for that coveted crispy texture.
The second step involves a quick simmer. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and gently submerge the pork joint for five minutes. This seemingly simple step helps further extract moisture, ensuring the crackling is as crisp as possible. After the simmer, strain the pork and pat it dry before placing it in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for 25 minutes. Finally, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) for the remaining cooking time.
Interestingly, new research from Asda has revealed that many Britons are hesitant to experiment with cooking meat and fish, fearing they might ruin it. A staggering 14% admitted they would never attempt to cook steak at home, while 18% confessed to throwing away a whole joint of meat due to cooking mishaps.
But Chef Kate has another crucial tip that will save your dinner – don’t pierce your sausages! While most people instinctively pierce their sausages before cooking, Kate advises against it. Piercing allows precious moisture to escape, potentially drying out your sausages. If the sausages pop in the oven, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal and just a sign that they’re cooking beautifully.
So, with these expert tips from Michelin-star chef Kate Austen, you can confidently conquer the art of perfect pork crackling and delicious sausages. Impress your family with your newfound culinary confidence and create a truly memorable Sunday feast!
