Crispy Pork Belly Delight

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, skin-on 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, skin-on
• 4 cups water 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Oil, for deep frying Oil, for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 0g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the water, salt, peppercorns, and crushed garlic. Bring to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the pork belly to the pot and simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender.
3. 3.
   Remove the pork belly from the pot and let it air dry for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Carefully lower the pork belly into the hot oil and fry for 10-15 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the pork belly from the oil and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into serving pieces.
7. 7.
   Serve hot with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a dipping sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and chili.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly — Make sure to choose a piece of pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. This will ensure a juicy and flavorful result.
• Oil — Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying. This will prevent the oil from burning and imparting a bitter taste to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve an extra crispy skin, you can prick the pork belly skin with a fork before boiling and frying.
• For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the pork belly instead of deep frying. This will result in a slightly lighter version of the dish.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite flavor combination. Some popular options include a sweet and sour sauce or a spicy vinegar dip.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Pork Belly Delight as the main dish alongside steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and the tangy dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or spring onions, for an added burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Crispy Pork Belly Delight on a platter, ensuring that the golden crispy skin is prominently displayed. Place the dipping sauce in a small bowl and position it next to the pork belly. Add a pop of color by garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes.