Floribbean Spiced Pork Cracklings

Ingredients

In this Floribbean adaptation, the traditional Thai Khaep mu is infused with the vibrant flavors of Floridian and Caribbean cuisine. The original dish is typically seasoned with Thai spices and herbs, while the Floribbean version incorporates a blend of aromatic spices commonly found in Caribbean cooking. The addition of citrus, such as lime or orange, adds a tangy and refreshing element to the cracklings, enhancing the tropical flavors. The cooking technique remains the same, focusing on achieving a crispy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Khaep mu, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) pork skin 1 pound (450g) pork skin
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 0g, 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the pork skin into bite-sized pieces.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
4. 4.
   Add the pork skin to the bowl and toss until well coated with the spice mixture.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Fry the pork skin in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
7. 7.
   Remove the cracklings from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. 8.
   Transfer the cracklings to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10 minutes to ensure maximum crispiness.
9. 9.
   Serve the Floribbean Spiced Pork Cracklings as a snack or appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork skin — Make sure to thoroughly dry the pork skin before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Lime juice — Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• Orange juice — Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance the tropical notes in the dish.
• Paprika — Choose a high-quality paprika for a vibrant color and smoky flavor.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the cracklings with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
• Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavors to your liking.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Serve the cracklings with a side of tropical fruit salsa for a refreshing contrast.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Tropical Crunch: Floribbean Spiced Pork Cracklings as a standalone snack or as part of a larger Floribbean-inspired spread. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a tangy mango chutney or a spicy pineapple salsa.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cracklings on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and wedges of lime or orange. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make them an irresistible centerpiece.