Filipino

Lechon Kawali

Name: Lechon Kawali
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 lbs whole pork belly slab (skin-on); 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns; 3 dried bay leaves; 2 tbsp coarse salt; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 4 cups cooking oil (for deep frying); Mang Tomas (lechon sauce) or spiced vinegar, for dipping

Crispy deep-fried pork belly.

90 minutes

Serves 5

Lunch/Dinner

No common allergens detected

Based on this recipe's ingredient list. Always verify with your own brands and labels.

Instructions

5 steps

1
Boil the Pork: In a large pot, place the pork belly, peppercorns, bay leaves, crushed garlic, and salt. Add enough water to submerge the meat. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45-60 minutes until the skin is easily pierced with a fork but the meat is not falling apart.

2
Dry the Pork: Carefully remove the pork belly from the broth and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool and air dry completely for at least 30 minutes. For an extra crispy crust, pat it dry with paper towels and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours.
3
Prep for Frying: Score the skin with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern. Rub a pinch of salt over the skin. Heat the cooking oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or wok to 350°F (175°C).
4
Deep Fry: Carefully lower the pork belly into the hot oil (stand back, as it will splatter). Fry for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered, deeply golden brown, and incredibly crispy.
5
Rest and Slice: Remove the pork and drain on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute. Chop into bite-sized pieces and serve hot with lechon sauce or vinegar.

Unlock the full recipe

Get every step for Lechon Kawali — plus exact amounts and 2,000+ more recipes — with Listahan Pro.

Unlock in app Get Listahan free

30-day free trial · cancel anytime

Plan it in Listahan

Add Lechon Kawali to your week, check it against your household's allergens, and build the shopping list automatically.

Open in app iOS (Beta) Android (Beta)

More Filipino recipes

Filipino

Chicken Adobo

A classic Filipino dish of chicken marinated and simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.

45 min Serves 5

Soy Wheat

Filipino

Sinigang na Baboy

A sour and savory tamarind-based pork soup with vegetables.

60 min Serves 5

Fish Seafood

Filipino

Kare-Kare

A rich peanut stew typically made with oxtail and vegetables, served with shrimp paste.

150 min Serves 5

Dairy Peanut Seafood +2

Browse all Filipino recipes