Crispy Roast Pork / Thịt Heo Quay

When it comes to show-stopping dishes in Vietnamese cuisine, few rival the grandeur and flavor of Thịt Heo Quay, or crispy roast pork. This beloved dish, known for its crackling skin and tender meat, holds a special place on celebratory tables, especially during Lunar New Year and significant family events. But what makes thit heo quay so special, and why is a whole roast pig such a common sight at traditional Vietnamese celebrations?

What is Thit Heo Quay?

Thịt Heo Quay is the Vietnamese rendition of roast pork, renowned for its perfectly crisp, golden-brown skin and juicy, flavorful meat. The secret to achieving its signature crackling lies in meticulous preparation: scoring the pork skin, seasoning it with a blend of spices—typically including five-spice powder, salt, and sugar—and slow-roasting it to render the fat beneath the skin. The result is an irresistible contrast of textures that have made this dish a favorite in Vietnamese households and street food stalls.

A Brief History of Roast Pork in Vietnamese Culture

The tradition of roasting pork has deep roots in Vietnamese cuisine, influenced by both Chinese culinary techniques and Vietnam’s agrarian ancestors. Pork has long been a staple protein in Vietnamese households due to its accessibility and versatility.

However, the custom of roasting an entire pig extends beyond practical cooking methods; in ancient times, the pig symbolized wealth and abundance, making it an ideal offering to deities and ancestors. Whole roast pigs were often prepared for temple rituals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions, embodying the community’s wishes for prosperity and harmony.

Whole Roast Pig is Central to Celebrations

The tradition of serving a whole roast pig during celebrations is steeped in symbolism. In Vietnamese culture, presenting an entire animal signifies completeness and unity and is often prepared to honor ancestors. For Lunar New Year (Tết), which marks the start of a new year and a time for family reunions, a roast pig embodies hopes for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead. Similarly, at weddings and milestone anniversaries, the whole pig represents abundance and the joining of families. The meticulous preparation and communal effort involved in roasting the pig reflect the occasion’s importance, while sharing it brings people together in gratitude and celebration.

Step 1:
Using a fork, skewer, or meat tenderizer, poke holes all over the skin side of the pork belly. The more holes, the crispier the pork skin will get!

Step 2:
Combine the seasoning blend, and season just the meat side of the pork belly.

Step 3:
Build a foil house for the pork, covering all the meat sides, while leaving the skin exposed. Put the pork belly into the fridge, uncovered, and let it dry out for 24 hours.

Step 4:
Once the pork belly has dried for a full day, cover it completely with kosher salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Step 5:
Remove the salt cap, brush off any excess salt, and return the dish to the oven. Bake at 365 degrees for another 30 minutes or until internal temperature hits 145 degrees.

Step 6:
Broil on low for 2-5 minutes or until pork skin has expanded and become crispy.

Step 7:
Let the pork belly rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7:
Serve on its own, with rice, or on a platter with bánh hỏi, veggies, herbs, and nuoc cham (fish sauce dipping sauce).

Air Fryer Cooking Method:

If you want to make this crispy roast pork in the air fryer, cook the pork at 250F for 30 minutes. Remove the salt cap, brush away the excess salt, and return to the air fryer at 400F for another 20-40 minutes. After a total of 50 minutes of cooking, check the skin of the pork every 5 minutes to ensure it has puffed up and become super crispy. (We also want to ensure that the skin doesn’t burn!)