How to Prepare Lechon Kawali: A Delightful Filipino Dish
Lechon kawali is a popular Filipino dish that is known for its crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat. It is a staple in many Filipino households and is often served during special occasions and celebrations. If you’re looking to prepare this delicious dish at home, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare lechon kawali.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole pork belly (about 2-3 kg)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup water
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the pork belly. Remove any excess fat and score the skin in a cross-hatch pattern. This will help the skin to crisp up more evenly during the cooking process.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, paprika, bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, ground ginger, and ground black pepper. Add the water and mix well to create the marinade.
3. Place the pork belly in the marinade and ensure that it is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
4. Once the pork has marinated, preheat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pot or frying pan to 180°C (350°F). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
5. Carefully place the pork belly into the hot oil, skin side down. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the pork belly over and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
6. Once the pork is done, remove it from the oil and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Using a sharp knife, slice the pork belly into thin, bite-sized pieces.
7. Serve the lechon kawali with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, garlic vinegar, or a sweet and tangy dipping sauce made from ketchup, mayonnaise, and a touch of vinegar.
Now that you know how to prepare lechon kawali, you can enjoy this delightful Filipino dish in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!
