Crispy Pork Belly Lechon Kawali

Nothing beats the crispy goodness of a perfectly cooked pork belly, especially in the form of the Filipino favorite, Lechon Kawali. This classic dish features succulent pieces of pork belly deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crackling skin and tender meat that is simply irresistible. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this mouthwatering delight at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Let’s dive into the steps to achieve the ultimate Crispy Pork Belly Lechon Kawali.

**Crispy Pork Belly Lechon Kawali**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin-on
– 8 cups water
– 3 cloves garlic, crushed
– 1 onion, quartered
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tablespoon peppercorns
– Salt, to taste
– Oil, for deep-frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pork Belly:**
– Wash the pork belly thoroughly under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
– Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the meat.
– Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes, ensuring each piece has a good portion of skin attached.

2. **Boil the Pork:**
– In a large pot, combine water, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
– Add the pork belly pieces to the pot and bring the water to a boil.
– Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until the pork is tender.
– Remove the pork belly from the pot and let it cool and dry completely.

3. **Preheat the Oil:**
– In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan, heat enough oil to deep-fry the pork belly pieces. You want the oil to be around 350°F (180°C).

4. **Deep-Fry the Pork Belly:**
– Gently add the pork belly pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding.
– Fry each batch for about 8-10 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is cooked through.
– Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the pork belly from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once all the pork belly pieces are cooked and drained, transfer them to a serving platter lined with paper towels.
– Serve your Crispy Pork Belly Lechon Kawali hot and fresh with steamed rice, vinegar dipping sauce, and pickled vegetables on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.

By following these simple steps, you can savor the delightful flavors and textures of Crispy Pork Belly Lechon Kawali right in the comfort of your own home. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this special dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a surefire way to make every mealtime memorable and delicious.