Whipping up a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your guests doesn’t have to be complicated. Lechon Pork Belly is a classic Filipino dish that boasts irresistible flavors and crispy skin that will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Lechon Pork Belly in your own kitchen, delivering a balance of savory and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. So, grab your apron and get ready to elevate your cooking game with this mouthwatering recipe!
**Lechon Pork Belly**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 pounds of pork belly, skin on
– 5 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 tablespoon of pepper
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
**Instructions:**
1. Preparing the Pork Belly:
– Clean the pork belly thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to score the skin of the pork belly in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through the meat.
2. Marinating the Pork Belly:
– In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, and sugar. Mix well to create a marinade.
– Rub the marinade all over the pork belly, making sure to get the mixture into the slits in the skin.
– Place the bay leaves on top of the pork belly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Roasting the Pork Belly:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
– Place the pork belly on a roasting rack, skin side up.
– Add some water to the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the drippings from burning.
– Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
4. Crisping the Skin:
– Once the pork belly is cooked through, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) or use the broil setting.
– Continue roasting the pork belly for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
– Keep an eye on the pork belly to prevent burning.
5. Serving the Lechon Pork Belly:
– Remove the pork belly from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
– Serve the Lechon Pork Belly with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar.
Enjoy the rich and succulent flavors of this Lechon Pork Belly recipe that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The crispy skin combined with the tender meat creates a mouthwatering contrast that will leave your guests raving. So, next time you’re looking to add some flair to your menu, consider whipping up this delightful Filipino dish.
