Succulent roasted leg of pork with crispy skin and juicy meat. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner.
Prep
20 min
Cook
180 min
Total
220 min
Servings
8
Difficulty
Medium
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Pro tip: A hot oven helps set the crust initially.
Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork leg dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Pro tip: Scoring the skin helps fat render out and the skin crisp up.
Season the Pork
Rub the pork with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, and garlic. Ensure the seasoning gets into the scored skin.
Pro tip: Seasoning generously ensures flavour penetrates the meat.
Roast the Pork
Place the pork in a roasting pan, skin side up. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Pro tip: Initial high heat helps create a crispy skin.
Reduce the Temperature
Lower the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F). Continue roasting for 150 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked through.
Rest the Pork
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Pro tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.
Tips & Tricks
- Bring the pork to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
- Score the pork skin deeply to allow fat to render and skin to crisp.
- Rest the roast before carving to retain juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook a leg of pork per kg?
Cook a leg of pork for approx. 60 minutes per kg at 160°C (320°F) after an initial high-heat roast.
What temperature should a leg of pork be cooked to?
Roast pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F).
How do I get crispy pork skin?
To achieve crispy skin, score the skin, dry it thoroughly, and start roasting at a high temperature.
Can I prepare roasted leg of pork in advance?
You can season the pork and score the skin a day in advance, keeping it uncovered in the fridge to dry out the skin.
What should I serve with roasted leg of pork?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and apple sauce for a classic pairing.
How do I store leftover roasted pork?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
400
Calories
35g
Protein
28g
Fat
1g
Carbs
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Kitchen & BBQ gear
What we use for recipes like this
Kitchen Utensils · Sieves & Strainers
YLYL 3 Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking
$13.99
Knives & Cutting · Graters
Microplane #40020 Classic Grater/Zester, Black
$36.39
Pit Boss Grills
6-QT Cast Iron Roaster with Lid
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