Crispy Pata Deep Fried Leg of Pork

Indulge in the irresistibly crunchy and flavorful "Crispy Pata," a deep-fried leg of pork that’s a true showstopper for any meal. This Filipino favorite boasts tender, juicy meat encased in a perfectly crisp golden-brown exterior, thanks to a meticulous cooking process that begins with simmering the pork leg in an aromatic blend of soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. After a crucial drying period to ensure maximum crunch, the pork is deep-fried to perfection, creating a dish that’s a feast for the senses. Serve it with a zesty vinegar-soy dipping sauce infused with chili and onion for an added punch of flavor. Whether gracing a festive spread or simply satisfying a craving for something indulgent, Crispy Pata is the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress, this recipe elevates fried pork to a whole new level!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 whole pork leg (pata), cleaned and trimmed
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 3 pieces bay leaves
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 6 cups cooking oil (for deep frying)
• 1 cup vinegar (optional, for dipping sauce)
• 0.5 cup soy sauce (optional, for dipping sauce)
• 1 piece red chili (optional, for dipping sauce)
• 0.25 cup onion, chopped (optional, for dipping sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by cleaning the pork leg thoroughly. Remove any hair and trim the skin and fat as desired.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the water, salt, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and soy sauce.

Step 3

Place the pork leg into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Step 4

Carefully remove the pork leg from the pot and let it cool. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 5

Place the pork leg on a wire rack and leave it in the refrigerator uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.

Step 6

Once ready to fry, heat the cooking oil in a deep pot or large wok. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

Step 7

Carefully lower the chilled and dried pork leg into the hot oil. Be cautious as the oil may splatter.

Step 8

Deep fry the pork leg for about 15-20 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy all over. Use tongs to flip the meat if needed for even browning.

Step 9

Remove the pork leg from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 10

Prepare the dipping sauce by combining vinegar, soy sauce, chopped red chili, and onion in a small bowl.

Step 11

Serve the Crispy Pata hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5578.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	17373.8

Total Fat 1798.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 339.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 1460mg	0%
Sodium 31938.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.2g	0%
Total Sugars 3.4g
Protein 379.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 473.3mg	0%
Iron 21.7mg	0%
Potassium 6134.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 90.7%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 0.8%