Indulge your senses in the irresistible decadence of melt-in-your-mouth sweet pork belly, a dish that perfectly balances savory richness with a delightful sweetness. This culinary masterpiece elevates the humble pork belly to new heights, transforming it into a tender, succulent experience that will leave you craving more. Imagine crispy, crackled skin giving way to incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat, infused with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the natural pork flavor. The accompanying chili salt dip adds a fiery kick that perfectly balances the richness of the pork.
This recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a show-stopping centerpiece. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the pork belly to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create this unforgettable dish? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Stove
- Pot
- Knife
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Pork belly
- Garlic
- Chili (Jinda chili recommended)
- Lime
- Coriander
- Salt (salt flowers recommended)
- Palm sugar
- Shallots
- Plain water
- Lobo's braised pork recipe (packet): 1 packet
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Belly
- Cut the pork belly into roughly half a centimeter pieces.
- Cut shallots into thin slices.
- Turn on the stove, add a little oil, and fry the shallots until yellowish and fragrant.
- Add the pork belly and stir-fry until firm.
- Add Lobo's braised pork recipe (one packet).
- Add enough plain water to cover the pork.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pork is tender (45-60 minutes, or 30-40 minutes for less tender pork).
- Check the pork for tenderness during simmering; add more water if necessary to keep it submerged.
Step 2. Simmer until Tender
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until pork is tender (45-60 minutes, or 30-40 minutes for less tender pork).
- Check the pork for tenderness during simmering; add more water if necessary to keep it submerged.
Step 3. Make the Chili Salt Dip
- Pound together chili, salt, and garlic to a fine consistency.
- Add palm sugar (or coconut sugar/brown sugar), lime juice, and a little boiled water to the chili salt mixture; mix until dissolved.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Once the pork is tender and the sauce has reduced, turn off the heat.
Read more: Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad (Yum Makua Yow): A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Don't use too much oil when frying the shallots; the pork belly already contains fat.
- Simmering the pork with less water results in a more intense flavor and thicker sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chili in the dipping sauce to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 50-60g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey can all be substituted for the granulated sugar, offering slightly different flavor profiles. Adjust the amount to your taste.
2. How can I ensure the pork belly skin gets perfectly crispy?
Pat the skin completely dry before scoring and roasting. A high oven temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) and plenty of time are key to achieving that satisfying crackling.
3. What can I substitute for the chili salt dip?
A simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil would be a delicious alternative. You could also serve it with a spicy mustard or even a sweet and sour sauce.
This melt-in-your-mouth sweet pork belly recipe, complete with its fiery chili salt dip, is sure to become a new favorite. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with perfectly crispy skin and tender meat, makes this dish truly unforgettable. Enjoy the compliments as you proudly present this culinary masterpiece!