Indulge in the irresistible aroma and succulent flavors of this fragrant lemongrass stir-fried pork belly, a dish that effortlessly blends Thai culinary magic with simple cooking techniques. The rich, tender pork belly is beautifully complemented by the bright, citrusy notes of lemongrass, creating a harmonious symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy elements, making it a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive centerpiece for a gathering. Imagine juicy morsels of pork belly, infused with the vibrant fragrance of lemongrass and perfectly balanced with other flavorful ingredients.
Ready to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through each stage of this mouthwatering recipe, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect caramelized finish.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Mortar and pestle (optional)
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Lemongrass
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Garlic
- Red chili peppers
- Black pepper
- Young peppercorns
- Fish sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Thinly slice or chop it. You can also pound it for a stronger flavor.
- Remove the center stem and fold in half. Chop into smaller pieces.
- Grill the whole piece, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can cut it into pieces before grilling.
- Roughly chop or pound the garlic and chili peppers. (Adjust chili amount to your spice preference).
- Wash and cut into pieces.
Step 2. Stir-Fry the Pork and Aromatics
- Grill the pork belly until golden brown and fragrant.
- Add garlic to the pan and stir-fry until fragrant. If there's excess oil from the pork, remove some.
- Add the chopped lemongrass and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Season with fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Adjust to taste.
- Add a little water to create a light sauce and stir-fry well.
- Add kaffir lime leaves to enhance the aroma.
- Stir-fry until the pork is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Add young peppercorns and stir-fry briefly.
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Grilling the pork belly before stir-frying helps to render fat and add flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Using a food cutter can make chopping vegetables easier.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 50-60g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless pork belly?
Yes, boneless pork belly will work, but it may not be as flavorful or tender as the version with skin on. Reduce cooking time slightly.
2. What can I substitute for lemongrass?
While lemongrass provides a unique flavor, you can try substituting with lemon zest and a touch of ginger for a similar citrusy kick.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chilies! Start with one or two extra Thai chilies and adjust to your preferred level of heat. You could also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce at the end.
This fragrant lemongrass stir-fried pork belly recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying Thai-inspired meal that's surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy the rewarding flavors and textures, and don't hesitate to experiment with different spices and vegetables to personalize this dish to your liking. Now, go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!