Craving a dish that's both incredibly flavorful and satisfyingly crispy? Look no further than this recipe for Crispy Fried Pork Belly with Chili-Salt! This isn't your grandma's pork belly; we're taking things up a notch with a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami notes. The secret lies in achieving that shatteringly crisp skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender, a delicate balance we'll guide you through. Forget tough, chewy pork; this recipe delivers a truly unforgettable textural experience that will leave you wanting more.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of perfectly rendered pork belly, the skin crackling with every bite, the rich meat melting in your mouth, all complemented by a fiery kick of chili and the savory depth of fish sauce. This seemingly simple dish is bursting with complex flavors and is surprisingly easy to make. Ready to learn how to achieve this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Garlic
- Red chilies
- Green chilies
- Spring onions
- Flour
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Chop chilies and garlic roughly. You can use a food processor if preferred.
- Set aside the chopped chilies and garlic.
- Cut spring onions into thin slices.
- Cut the pork belly into pieces suitable for frying.
- Marinate pork belly with fish sauce and sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
- Coat the marinated pork belly with flour and a small amount of water, ensuring it's just enough to coat the pork and not make it too watery.
Step 2. Fry the Pork Belly
- Heat oil in a pan until very hot. Add the flour-coated pork belly and fry until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Step 3. Roast with Chili-Garlic
- Prepare for the chili-salt roasting. Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped chilies and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the fried pork belly to the pan with the chilies and garlic. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Stir-fry until well combined.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add spring onions and stir-fry briefly. Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili to your liking. More chili will result in a spicier and more fragrant dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the pork belly. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use just enough flour to coat the pork belly to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or sugar depending on your preference.
Nutrition
- Fat: High, approximately 40-60g per serving.g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of salt instead of chili salt?
Yes, you can! Regular table salt will work, but adding a pinch of chili flakes or your favorite chili powder will boost the flavor. Experiment to find your perfect level of spice.
2. How do I ensure the pork belly skin gets extra crispy?
Pat the skin very dry before scoring and seasoning. A low and slow initial cooking method renders the fat, and a high-heat finish crisps the skin beautifully. Don't overcrowd the pan during frying.
This Crispy Fried Pork Belly with Fish Sauce and Chili-Salt recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of textures and flavors is truly unforgettable, leaving you with a dish that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to master. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by the crispy, flavorful perfection of this incredible recipe!