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Lechon Kawali (Crispy Fried Pork Belly)

Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali is a classic Filipino dish known for its golden, crispy pork belly with tender meat inside. It's first simmered with aromatics to make it flavourful and soft, then deep-fried to achieve its iconic crunchy skin. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions, Sunday lunch, or everyday indulgence. Serve it with lechon sauce or a soy-vinegar dip and steamed rice for an authentic Filipino experience.

Lechon Kawali

Recipe Notes:

  • You can air-dry the pork belly in the fridge overnight to get a really crispy result.
  • Make sure the pork is completely dry before frying to avoid oil splatters.
  • Use a splatter guard for safety during frying.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 75 mins
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Calories: 459
Best Season: All year round
Description

Lechon Kawali is a classic Filipino dish known for its golden, crispy pork belly with tender meat inside. It's first simmered with aromatics to make it flavourful and soft, then deep-fried to achieve its iconic crunchy skin. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions, Sunday lunch, or everyday indulgence. Serve it with lechon sauce or a soy-vinegar dip and steamed rice for an authentic Filipino experience.

Ingredients
  • 1 kg pork belly (liempo)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Water (enough to cover meat)
  • Cooking oil (for deep frying)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a large pot, place the pork belly and cover with water.
  2. 2
    Add salt, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves. Boil and simmer for 45–60 minutes or until pork is tender.
  3. 3
    Remove pork from the pot and drain. Let it cool completely and pat dry with paper towels. For crispier results, refrigerate the pork overnight uncovered.
  4. 4
    Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
  5. 5
    Carefully deep-fry the pork belly until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Be cautious of oil splatters.
  6. 6
    Drain excess oil on a rack or paper towels.
  7. 7
    Chop into serving portions and serve with lechon sauce or vinegar-soy dip.
Keywords: lechon kawali, Filipino pork belly recipe, crispy pork belly, pork belly lechon, deep fried pork, Filipino lechon, lechon recipe, Filipino food, liempo recipe, pork belly dish, lechon kawali recipe
Read it online: https://lutongpamilya.com/recipe/lechon-kawali-crispy-fried-pork-belly/
Garry
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Garry – a passionate Filipino food blogger, small business owner, and proud family man based in the UK. I run Lutong Pamilya, where I share authentic Filipino recipes inspired by the warmth of home cooking and the love of family. I’m also the founder of Filipino Grocery Store Ltd, helping bring Filipino favourites and oriental products closer to every home across the UK. When I’m not creating YouTube tutorials or writing for my blog, you’ll find me enjoying time with my family, exploring new dishes, and proudly sharing our culture through food.