Ultimate Recipe for Lechon Kawali: Crispy Pork Belly Delight

Lechon Kawali, a beloved Filipino dish, is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This dish features t……

Lechon Kawali, a beloved Filipino dish, is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This dish features tender, juicy pork belly that is deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown skin that crackles with every bite. If you're looking to impress your family or guests with a mouthwatering meal, this recipe for lechon kawali is your go-to guide.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To create the ultimate recipe for lechon kawali, you'll need the following ingredients:

- **2-3 pounds of pork belly**: Choose a cut with a good balance of meat and fat for the best results.

- **Water**: Enough to cover the pork belly in a pot.

- **Salt**: For seasoning and brining.

- **Peppercorns**: To enhance the flavor of the meat.

- **Bay leaves**: For aromatic infusion during boiling.

- **Garlic**: Crushed, for added flavor.

- **Oil**: For deep frying, preferably a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

### Cooking Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pork Belly**: Start by rinsing the pork belly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This will help render the fat and create that signature crispy skin.

2. **Boil the Pork**: In a large pot, combine the pork belly, water, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and crushed garlic. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the pork is tender.

3. **Cool and Dry**: After boiling, carefully remove the pork belly from the pot. Place it on a wire rack and let it cool. For the best results, refrigerate the pork belly uncovered for several hours or overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the skin to dry out, ensuring maximum crispiness when fried.

4. **Deep Fry the Pork Belly**: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough oil to submerge the pork belly over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully lower the pork belly into the oil. Fry for about 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

5. **Rest and Serve**: Once crispy, remove the pork belly from the oil and place it on a cutting board lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve your lechon kawali with a side of liver sauce, vinegar dipping sauce, or your favorite condiments.

### Tips for Perfect Lechon Kawali

- **Choose the Right Cut**: Opt for pork belly with a good layer of fat and meat for that ideal balance of tenderness and flavor.

- **Drying the Skin**: The longer you can dry the pork belly after boiling, the crispier the skin will be. If you’re short on time, you can also use a hairdryer on a cool setting to help dry the skin.

- **Control the Oil Temperature**: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to achieving the perfect crisp. If the oil is too hot, the skin may burn before the meat cooks through. If it’s too cool, the skin will not crisp up properly.

### Conclusion

This recipe for lechon kawali is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings people together. Whether it's a festive occasion or a simple family meal, lechon kawali is sure to be a hit. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, it's a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine. So gather your ingredients, follow this guide, and enjoy the deliciousness that is lechon kawali!