22/05/2026
Lechon Kawali Recipe
Yield: 4β6 servings | Total Time: ~9 hrs (includes drying) | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 1 hr
β
Ingredients
1 kg pork belly (whole slab, skin-on)
8β10 cups water
2 tbsp salt
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
3 bay leaves
4β6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 small onion, quartered
4β5 cups cooking oil (for deep frying)
Optional dipping sauce: vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, chili, sugar
π Procedure
1. Boil the Pork
In a large pot, combine pork belly, water, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, and onion. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Lower heat to simmer, cover, and cook 45β60 mins until tender (skin pierces easily but meat not falling apart) .
2. Dry Thoroughly (CRITICAL STEP!)
Remove pork, drain well. Pat very dry all over with paper towels, especially the skin. Place on a wire rack over a tray. Refrigerate uncovered 6β8 hours or overnight until skin is hard and dryβthis makes it crispy when fried .
3. Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in deep pan/wok to 175β190Β°C (350β375Β°F). Carefully lower pork skin-side down. Fry 15β25 mins, turning occasionally, until skin is golden, puffed, and very crisp, meat is deep golden. Cover partially to avoid splatters .
4. Serve
Transfer to rack to drain excess oil. Let rest 5 mins. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Serve hot with rice, spiced vinegar or lechon sauce (Mang Tomas).