Ladob - Filipino Coconut-Braised Pork

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, cut into cubes 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (235ml) water 1 cup (235ml) water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 20g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Sauté the minced garlic and sliced ginger until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the pork belly cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk, water, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well.
5. 5.
   Add the bay leaves, black peppercorns, and brown sugar. Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly — Choose a piece with a good balance of meat and fat for the best flavor and texture.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper to the dish.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the dish uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Ladob tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so consider making it in advance.

Serving advice

Serve Ladob hot over steamed rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful coconut sauce. Garnish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a fresh touch.

Presentation advice

Present Ladob in a deep serving dish, allowing the rich coconut sauce to be showcased. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top for an added visual appeal.