Bangkok's vibrant street food scene is a sensory explosion, and few dishes capture its essence quite like crispy pork belly with tom yum noodles. The irresistible crackle of perfectly rendered pork belly, juxtaposed with the zesty, fragrant broth of a classic tom yum, creates a symphony of textures and flavors. This iconic dish is a testament to Thai culinary artistry, balancing bold spices with rich, savory elements. Imagine the succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, the spicy-sour tang of the tom yum soup clinging to perfectly cooked noodles – a culinary adventure in every bite.
This recipe will guide you through creating this authentic Bangkok street food classic at home. From perfectly crisping the pork belly to crafting a vibrant and flavorful tom yum broth, we'll break down each step, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Bangkok, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
- pots
- pans
- wok
- cutting board
- knife
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Chicken
- Duck
- Noodles
- Wontons
- Red pork
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Sesame
- Salt
- Tom Yum soup base
- Other Tom Yum ingredients (e.g., lemongrass, galangal, chilies)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- This involves a process of salting and possibly other techniques to make it tender and soft inside. The exact method isn't specified in the transcript, but it includes resting the pork after preparation.
Step 2. Create the Tom Yum & Crispy Pork
- The transcript mentions a process involving an hour of cooking, followed by resting and cleaning. Coconut milk is added after the initial cooking phase. The precise method isn't fully detailed.
- While not explicitly detailed, this would involve standard Tom Yum ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, chilies, and other aromatics to create a flavorful broth.
Step 3. Prepare Noodles & Wontons
- Cook according to package directions. The transcript highlights a variety of noodle and wonton dishes offered.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- The recipe involves stir-frying onion, garlic, and sesame, followed by a two-hour simmering process to achieve a sweet and salty flavor.
- Combine the cooked noodles, wontons, crispy pork belly, and Tom Yum soup. Add the prepared sauce.
Read more: Rad Na Recipe: Thai Seafood Gravy Noodles
Tips
- The owner uses only the hind legs of pigs for the crispy pork, avoiding the front legs due to less meat.
- The secret to soft, tender pork belly lies in the preparation, which includes salting and possibly other techniques described in the transcript.
- The owner suggests using capon chickens (although specifics aren't provided).
- The owner's Tom Yum noodle shop has been in operation for approximately 30 years, constantly evolving its menu.
Nutrition
- Calories: 700-900
- Fat: 50-70g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I make the pork belly ahead of time?
Yes! The pork belly can be cooked and crisped a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
2. What if I don't have all the tom yum paste ingredients?
You can substitute a good quality store-bought tom yum paste. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, starting with less and adding more as needed.
3. What kind of noodles are best for this dish?
Fresh egg noodles or dried rice noodles work well. Choose a noodle that holds its shape well when cooked in the broth.
This Crispy Pork Belly & Tom Yum Noodles recipe brings a taste of authentic Bangkok street food right to your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the pork belly, the vibrant flavors of the tom yum broth, and the comforting warmth of this delicious noodle dish. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!