Crispy Lechon Kawali with Garlic Fried Rice and Sauteed Vegetables
Tips for Experienced Cooks
Focus on the balance of flavors in each component. For the pork, experiment with the ratios of soy sauce to vinegar to find a balance that suits your taste preferences. Consider adding a bay leaf or star anise to the boiling mixture for an extra layer of flavor. For the garlic fried rice, use day-old rice for better texture, and try using a bit of the pork cooking liquid to season the rice for added depth. As for the vegetables, adding a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sugar can enhance their flavor profile significantly. Lastly, rendering the fat from the pork belly before frying can lead to a crispier finish.
Step 1: Prepare the pork belly
In a large pot, combine the pork belly, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the pork is tender. Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Set aside the liquid for later use.
- 1 lb pork belly
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
Step 2: Fry the pork belly
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the cooked pork belly cubes and fry until they are crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Cooked pork belly from step 1
Step 3: Prepare the garlic fried rice
In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant. Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine with the garlic and onion. Push the rice to one side of the pan. In the same pan, crack the eggs and scramble until cooked. Mix the eggs with the rice.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs
Step 4: Sauté the vegetables
In another pan, heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. Pour the reserved liquid from the pork into the vegetables and let it simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- Reserved liquid from step 1
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 5: Serve
Serve the crispy pork belly with the garlic fried rice and sauteed vegetables. Enjoy!
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 2 pounds pork belly
- 4 whole egg
Seasonings & Spices
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
- 1 clove salt
- 1 clove pepper
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 onion onion
- 4 cups mixed vegetables
Pantry Items
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup vinegar
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil