Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this beachside-inspired Pork Belly Thai Red Curry. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly simmered in a rich, fragrant coconut milk curry, bursting with the fiery kick of red chilies and the sweetness of exotic Thai spices. This recipe delivers the authentic taste of Thailand without the complicated techniques, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of savory pork belly and creamy, spicy curry is irresistible, a true taste of paradise.
This recipe simplifies the traditional Thai red curry, making it accessible to even beginner cooks. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful curry paste to achieving perfectly tender pork belly. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to the beaches of Thailand? Let's dive into the delicious step-by-step process below.
Tools Needed
- Compact BBQ with charcoal
- Spatula
- Carving knife
- Chopping board
- Pot for rice
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Thai red curry paste
- Garlic
- Onion
- Ginger
- Lemongrass
- Green beans
- Chicken stock: 1 cup
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Coconut milk: 1 can
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Lime
- Rice: 1 cup
- Water: 1 1/2 cups
- Coriander
- Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly and Rice
- Score the pork belly skin and season.
- Place the pork belly skin-side down on the hot BBQ to crackle the skin (approximately 10-15 minutes).
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package directions (1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water).
Step 2. Make the Thai Red Curry Sauce
- In a pan, heat oil and fry the Thai red curry paste until fragrant and the oil separates from the paste.
- Add garlic, onion, ginger, and lemongrass to the pan and sauté.
- Stir in chicken stock, kaffir lime leaves, and coconut milk.
- Add green beans, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer until sauce has thickened.
Step 3. Cook the Pork Belly in the Curry
- Add pork belly and cook for about an hour, or until pork is tender.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the pork belly over rice, garnished with coriander and lime (if available).
Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe
Tips
- Use lump charcoal for easy cleanup; extinguish with seawater and dispose of responsibly.
- Adjust the heat and distance from the coals to manage the cooking process and combat wind.
- If you don’t like green beans, substitute with other vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potato, or snow peas.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly is ideal for its richness and tenderness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even boneless pork loin. Just be aware that these cuts may require slightly longer cooking time to achieve the same level of tenderness.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chilies in the curry paste. For a milder curry, use fewer chilies or remove some seeds. For extra heat, add more chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This Beachside Pork Belly Thai Red Curry recipe delivers a taste of tropical paradise right to your table, all without the fuss. The combination of tender pork belly and fragrant spices is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!