Filipino Lechon Kawali with Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Name: Filipino Lechon Kawali with Vinegar Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork belly, skin on; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 3 bay leaves; 8 cups water; 1 onion, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 3 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying; 1 cup white vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Crispy Pork Belly Delight

A deliciously crispy fried pork belly paired with a tangy vinegar dipping sauce, popular in Filipino cuisine.

2 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly

2 lbs pork belly, skin on

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

3 bay leaves

For the Broth

8 cups water

1 onion, quartered

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tablespoon soy sauce

For Frying

3 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying

For the Vinegar Dipping Sauce

1 cup white vinegar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Pork Belly

Clean Pork Belly

Clean the pork belly and pat dry with paper towels.

Season Pork Belly

Rub salt and pepper all over the pork belly.

Rest to Marinate

Set aside for 30 minutes to let it absorb the seasoning.

Preparing the Broth

Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, combine the water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, and pre-seasoned pork belly.

Boil and Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Cook Until Tender

Cook for 1 hour, or until pork is tender.

Ensure to pat the boiled pork belly dry before frying to avoid oil splatters. Pro Tip: Plan to make this dish a day ahead to let the boiled pork chill in the fridge, which helps achieve a crispier texture when fried.

Cooking Process

Deep Frying

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot and fry the pork belly until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Resting

After frying, let the pork belly rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Making the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Plating & Serving