Lechon Kawali

Crispy, succulent, and utterly satisfying, Lechon Kawali is a Filipino classic that transforms humble pork belly into a mouthwatering delight. Boiled until tender and then deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp, every bite boasts a contrast of crunchy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Infused with aromatic spices like garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns during the simmering process, the pork belly is then paired with a tangy, homemade dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. This indulgent dish is perfect for family feasts or special occasions and is best served with steamed rice and the zesty sauce for an authentic taste of the Philippines. Keywords: crispy pork belly, Filipino cuisine, Lechon Kawali recipe, easy Filipino recipes, deep-fried pork belly.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork belly
• 2 liters water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 garlic cloves
• 0.5 liters vegetable oil
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 0.25 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped onions
• 0.25 cup water (for sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Place the pork belly in a large pot and add water to cover the meat completely.

Step 2

Add salt, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic cloves to the pot.

Step 3

Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the pork belly for about 90 minutes or until it becomes tender.

Step 4

Once cooked, remove the pork belly from the pot and let it rest. Allow it to cool and dry completely, preferably overnight in the refrigerator to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 5

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 180°C (350°F).

Step 6

Carefully lower the pork belly into the hot oil and fry for about 15-20 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Remove the pork from the oil and place it on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 8

For the dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chopped onions, and water in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 9

Cut the crispy pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3794.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9176.2

Total Fat 972.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 256.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 284.1g
Cholesterol 720mg	0%
Sodium 17263.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 43.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.5g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 101.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 282.9mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 1754.4mg	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: 93.8%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 1.8%