Jump to Recipe

Filipino Lechon Kawali is a popular and beloved dish in Philippine cuisine known for its crispy and flavorful pork belly. Here are its key characteristics and how it is typically prepared:

Characteristics of Filipino Lechon Kawali:

1. Pork Belly: The dish primarily uses pork belly, which is a cut of meat that includes layers of meat and fat. The skin is left on to achieve a crispy texture when fried.
2. Crispy Cooking Method: Lechon Kawali involves a two-step cooking process. First, the pork belly is boiled or simmered until tender in a flavorful broth or water with spices. This step helps to cook the meat through and prepares it for frying. After boiling, the pork belly is typically air-dried or cooled to further dry out the skin.
3. Deep-Frying: Once sufficiently dried, the pork belly is deep-fried in hot oil until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown. The key to achieving the perfect crispiness is to ensure the pork belly is thoroughly dried before frying and that the oil is hot enough but not smoking.
4. Seasonings: The pork belly is often seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices during both the boiling and frying stages to enhance its flavor.
5. Serving: Lechon Kawali is typically served sliced into bite-sized pieces and enjoyed with a dipping sauce such as soy sauce with vinegar, or liver sauce (Mang Tomas), and often accompanied by rice and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions:

• Condiments: It is commonly served with a dipping sauce like vinegar with soy sauce and chopped onions, or liver sauce (sarsa ng lechon).
• Side Dishes: It pairs well with steamed rice and Filipino-style pickles or atchara (pickled green papaya).

Cultural Significance:

Lechon Kawali is a favorite dish during celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions in the Philippines. It is cherished for its crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful seasoning, making it a staple in Filipino cuisine.

Variations:

While the basic preparation involves pork belly, there are regional and personal variations in seasoning and serving styles across the Philippines. Some versions may include additional spices or ingredients in the boiling or frying process to add complexity to the dish.

In essence, Filipino Lechon Kawali is a delicious and satisfying dish that highlights the art of achieving crispy pork belly, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Filipino culinary delights.

Creating a keto-friendly version of Filipino Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly) involves adjusting traditional ingredients to fit a low-carb diet.

Here’s a recipe that maintains the delicious crispy texture and savory flavors without compromising on taste:

Filipino Lechon Kawali Crispy Pork Belly Recipe (Keto-friendly)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork belly, skin on
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Water, for boiling
• Oil, for deep frying

Instructions

Prepare the Pork Belly:

• Place the pork belly in a large pot and add enough water to cover it.
• Add crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, paprika, and bay leaf to the pot.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork belly is tender.

Cool and Dry the Pork Belly:

• Remove the pork belly from the pot and let it cool to room temperature.
• Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Optionally, refrigerate uncovered for a few hours or overnight to further dry out the skin.

Deep Fry the Pork Belly:

• Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the pork belly, skin side down, into the hot oil.
• Fry until the skin is crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 10-15 minutes.

Serve:

• Once crispy and golden, remove the pork belly from the oil and drain on paper towels.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into serving portions.
• Serve hot and crispy, optionally with a dipping sauce like vinegar with garlic and chili.

Nutrition Information per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Net Carbs: 1g

Tips:

• Make sure the pork belly is thoroughly dried before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Use a deep frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for best results.

Enjoy your Keto-friendly Filipino Lechon Kawali!