Pork is one of the most available compounds when it comes to Filipino cuisine. Aside from chicken, beef, and fish, pork has a unique taste that everyone can enjoy. An excellent example of recipes that you can prepare is the Adobo, Sinigang, Sisig, etc. As you know, these recipes have an excellent reputation worldwide, up to this moment.
However, in this article, we would like to give you some exciting information about a specific recipe that can catch your heart. This recipe is the Filipino Best Lechon Kawali. These recipes have an excellent flavor that many individuals might like. It also has a unique crispy texture on the outside but soft and juicy on the inside.

Moreover, did you know that these courses are popular in the Philippines? Aside from being a course? Yes, that is certain. As you know, the Philippines has numerous occasions to celebrate. That is why it is not surprising that aside from having different viand recipes, they also prepare a meal that can also serve as Pulutan. And that includes our star dish of the day.
Pulutan is an ample amount of food served with alcoholic beverages, especially beer. Unlike in other countries, Filipinos love to prepare meat together with their beer. That is why this Lechon Kawali is an excellent cuisine for them, not only with rice but also with a cold beer.
Thus, if you want more about these delightful recipes, join us as we give you the information about the other side of this Lechon Kawali recipe. Keep on navigating as we provide the details that can await your excitement. Let us discover together the wonders that this course has. And be thankful that you can prepare this cuisine on your own, with the guidelines we will give you. So, let’s get started!
What is the Filipino Best Lechon Kawali Recipe?
Pork belly is the primary compound that you need to use in making this Lechon Kawali dish. Unlike other compounds, pork belly has layers of fat and meat that can give so much flavor and taste to your meal. It contains fat that turns crispy while you are frying it. That is why most Filipino love to serve this course at their dining table.
Lechon Carajay is the other name for this menu. It is a crispy deep-fried pork belly in a pan or a wok (Kawali in Tagalog). To add flavor and taste, put your seasoning beforehand. You can also boil it to tenderize more. Prepare your pan with enough amount to cover the meat while deep frying it. That way, you can achieve the crispiness and the color that you await.
On the other hand, some cases also serve this Lechon Kawali with some Lechon sauce. This Lechon sauce uses pork liver as the primary compound. It has a sweet taste and excellent flavor that can complement the taste of this deep-fried dish. This sauce is also a traditional dip in every course that involves Lechon dishes. That is why you can consider it in your menu.

However, there is also some dipping sauce that you can try again. An excellent example of that is Toyomansi. It refers to Toyo’s combination, a soy sauce, then the Calamansi, that can provide an extra sourness in your Lechon course. With this combination, you can get the constant contrasting taste of saltiness and sourness. Thus, it can upgrade the taste of your dish in an instant.
Furthermore, there is also a typical dip that you can try again. It is a mixture of sourness and sweetness. In this dip, the primary compound you need to use is the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, salt, onion, garlic, Calamansi, pepper, and chili. With these elements’ combo, you can create an extraordinary flavor that can boost your appetite to keep you from eating more.
The spiciness of the chili can also help to give a new dimension to your dish. Most Filipinos recommend this dip in every fried dish that you have. Plus, the sweetness of it can counter the saltiness of your meat. However, if you don’t want to prepare this dip, you can also use vinegar and fish sauce with garlic. It is a simple dipping sauce that can also provide excellent chemistry in your fried pork belly dish. You can also add chili if you want some heat. By the way, in serving this fried pork belly dish, you can simply chop it into pieces gracefully and serve.

Hence, some individuals consider this course as an Ilocano Bagnet. It is a variant of Chicharon with a crunchy and crispy texture. They also somehow cook it with water, spinach, and shrimp paste. Thus it results in another meal that you can continuously enjoy. Either of it or the pork itself can outstandingly ease your hunger.
So, let us dig into the other side of this dish. Let us explore the additional information that this course can offer. Keep on navigating as we give you every detail that you need to understand this delightful meal. Enjoy reading!
Ways to Cook Filipino Lechon Kawali Recipe
In every preparation of courses, there are some ways that you can consider. This method can provide you with massive help to make your meal more savory and tasty. We come up with a list that you can use to prepare your meat correctly. That information includes the following;
Using instant pot
Are you busy and need to prepare a delicious meal? Well, if that is the case, you can use this instant pot. This pot is a convenient cooker that you can have in your kitchen. It contains an alarm setting function that can help you monitor and control your meat’s cooking process. That way, you can also do so much work while cooking something at the same total time.
In preparing your meal in this pot, you can put all your compounds. Put the pork belly straight inside, add peppercorns, bay leaves, salt, and other seasonings you await in your meat. However, it is not the final cooking. It is just tenderizing the meat to prepare it before you fry it. That way, you can achieve a crispy and crunchy texture outside and juicy on the inside part of your dish.
The total time for this process is 1 hour to 1 hour 30 mins. You don’t need to tenderize it much softer because it may dissolve the fats while frying it if you soften your meat like preparing it in other meals. Take note that you are still frying it later on. That means you will cook it again.
Using pressure cooker
Unlike other pots that you have, this tool is more convenient to use. It can soften your meat quickly, waiting for a long boiling process like the other regular pot. It contains a pressure inside that can help your compound to cook soon. That is why many restaurants are using this tool in preparing their menus.
This pressure cooker has a concrete cover to prevent pressure from escaping. It is also a locking setting that can help you set your pot upon boiling your compound. Then it has a releasing part to make the steam inside go out. That way, you can now check your meat if it is OK. The total time that you can set in it is 20 mins to 1-hour maximum. And it is on how much compound you put in inside your pressure cooker.
However, note that it ensures that you check your total time because these methods need more attention to avoid burning and overcooking compounds. You can also set your fire in medium and high. Either of these ways can provide an excellent result. But considering this method is an outstanding option for you.
Using slow cooking
Are you a fan of the slow cooking process? Then, this method can fit you the most. There are some cases that many individuals want to use this typical process to release much flavor inside their meat. That is why we include it on this list. As you know, slow cooking can provide an excellent natural flavor to your pork belly. It can also melt the excess fats that you don’t need while cooking this fried dish.
The slow cooker can help you to prepare your food while you do other work. You can also use it if you are busy. As you know, it doesn’t need much attention other than your simple preparation. You can live it as it is and return if your alarm ends. Besides, you can consume 2 hours to 3 hours total time. Yet, it can also work well in medium and high heat. But make sure that you add enough water to it because the water can evaporate while you are boiling something at the total time range you set. That way, you can avoid burn and overcook meals afterward.
Using wok
It is the most common when it comes to cooking this Lechon Kawali. With the use of its deep surface, you can incorporate it with enough oil to cover your meat while deep frying it. Many restaurants also use woks in their constant cooking. Because it is easy to use and the compound doesn’t stick in it.
Furthermore, you can use it for constant tossing and flipping. Even if you use medium and high fire, it doesn’t matter as long as you carefully focus on your making. That way, you can avoid burning and overcooking your meal. It also has a holder to hold by one hand to toss and flip your feed frequently quickly.
Variation of Lechon Kawali
In this section, considering the taste and the flavor of this Filipino dish, you can also enjoy it differently. That is why we come up with a list of the variations of it. This list can give you an idea of how you can prepare it differently. Somehow, you can choose your style in one of these courses. It includes the following;
Oven-roasted Lechon
Aside from frying, you can use an oven for cooking this dish. The only dissimilarity is that you can cook this dish without the oil. In other words, you can skip deep frying it in a pan. And you can prevent oil splatters. Plus, this variety can suit you if you don’t want too much greasiness and oiliness.
In preparing this baked Lechon Kawali, you need to prepare your meat first. You need to boil it and seasoned it properly to add a savory effect. Also, don’t cut the pork belly. Prepare it as a whole because it is juicier if you cook it that way. Then, you can also add some lemongrass at the center and roll it at once. Hold it with kitchen twine to secure your center compound. That way, you can prevent spilled filling.
Moreover, set your alarm for about 1 hour or above, depending on how big your belly is. Set the fire in your expected heat and leave it until you set your oven correctly. But before anything else, brush some seasoning at your pork’s skin to make it tastier. It can also help to dive into a silky and crunchy texture. Then, carefully place it inside and wait until it cooks already. Please wait until it again turns golden brown and checks if it is good to go. Lastly, remove it from your oven and let it sit for about 10 mins. Afterward, you can now cut and serve it.
Spicy Lechon Kawali
Unlike other meat dishes, spicy Lechon is somewhat more appealing than the other. It is because it has a kick that can boost your appetite on the second level. To achieve that spicy taste, Lechon, make sure that you add chili while boiling your meat. That way, it can absorb the flavor that you want in your meal, together with the seasoning that can provide a savory effect to it.
Furthermore, you can also put a seasoning after you boil and cool your meat. Brush it at the outer and inner part of your mixture to give the spiciness that you want. You can place it in the fridge to cool and set. That way, when frying it, you can achieve the crispy and crunchy texture that you need. When you remove it from the fridge, ensure that you brush it again with the mixture you prepare because the meat absorbs your first coating and adds more flavor.
You can also put some chili powder after you cook it. You can serve it with chili flakes and powder as a garnish. That way, it can add more spiciness and excellent impression for anyone who eats this course. Chop it and place it on your dining table with the rice of cold beer.
Troubleshooting
This section is all about the possible remedies you can perform if you come across some instances. This information can guide you to adjust and resolve common trouble in the kitchen, especially with your meal’s taste. It can help you to achieve the savory flavor that you want when you eat this course. It includes the following;
Too Bland
There are some instances that you are cautious when it comes to adding seasoning to your meal, especially when you are a beginner. However, don’t lose hope. As you know, a bland mixture is the most basic and easy to solve. You can adjust the taste by putting in an additional salty agent. And simmer with the total time that you prefer.
Moreover, in adding salinity, you can use fish sauce, soy sauce, and salt. But in this case, you need to dissolve and mix it first before applying it to your meat. You can also use a salty dipping sauce while you are eating this dish. The soy sauce and Calamansi is the typical dip that can provide a salty flavor that your course wants to achieve. Garlic powder and onion powder can also work well. That is why considering it in your serving is an excellent option.
Too Salty
When it comes to a salty meal, too much can ruin everything. That is why you need a quick solution to resolve this matter. As you know, the too salty mixture is the hardest to solve in the kitchen. However, in this section, we have some remedies that you can try—considering the salinity factor of your salty meat. The excellent way to counter it is by having a dip that can lessen its taste for anyone who eats this course.
An excellent remedy is to prepare a dipping sauce that contains a lesser taste or has a counter effect on your salty mixture. You can use vinegar and garlic with chili. As you know, vinegar has a sour taste that can lessen a meal’s salinity like our star dish. You can also add sugar to it to balance the sweet, sour, and salty flavor. That way you can enjoy this cuisine gratefully. You can also use mayonnaise and sour cream if you have. These compounds also work very well.
Too Spicy
The spicy flavor can provide a unique effect on your taste buds. It can activate it and boost your appetite to keep you from eating more. However, too much can also cause so much trouble for you. That is why we are here to give you some remedies to counter that too much amount of spiciness.
To lessen our star dish’s spiciness, you can make a dipping sauce that can counter it. You can use vinegar with a little bit of soy sauce, sugar, Calamansi, garlic, and onion. The sourness of vinegar and Calamansi can lessen the spiciness of your mixture. The sweet content and the sugar and onion can also balance all the flavors you have in your meal. Plus, combining all of these compounds can provide a special savory effect that can give you satisfaction.
On the other hand, did you know that the specific product you can use to counter too much spice is using dairy products? Yes, that is certain. A dairy product like butter is an excellent thing that you can add to deviate too much spiciness. That is why you can put it in our star dish. That is why it is a perfect option that you can consider.
Oil splatter when frying
Frying is the most challenging part when you cook meat, especially pork. It is because it has fat that causes a splatter of oil. That is why many individuals are cautious when it comes to frying. But, for some reason, there are some ways to avoid that from happening. It includes the following;
- Putting some dissolved cornstarch of flour in the oil can avoid the bursting of oil.
- Too much oil can also affect your oil from splattering. That is why ensure that you only put the right amount to cover the meat while frying.
- High heat can also trigger your oil, most of the total time.
All this time, most people are covering the lead, but based on the experience, covering the lid can also be the factor to trigger your oil. The moisture that the meat can turn to water on the top and open it while frying tends to fall into the oil and start splatter of grease.
Trivia for this Fried Pork Belly Recipe
There is some information that can provide extra knowledge about a particular course, like in this section. This detail can help you to understand the other side of this cuisine. That is why we listed some of them to give you. This list includes the following trivia—the nutrients and benefits you can have in each ingredient you can have in this course. It consists of the following;
Pork
It is a typical compound that you can use in making numerous dishes, like our star dish of the day. However, aside from its taste and flavor, it also contains nutrients and benefits that your body needs the most. It includes the following;
In 3.5 ounces or 100 grams of it, you can get the following nutrients:
- Calories: 297
- Water: 53%
- Protein: 25.7 grams
- Carbs: o grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Fat: 20.8 grams
Aside from that, for all the meat out there, pork is a good source of protein. The protein cooked lean meat content is around 26% by fresh weight. When it is dry, the protein content is as high as 89%, which is why you can consider it one of the wealthiest dietary sources of protein. Besides, it contains all essential nine amino acids imperative in the body’s growth and maintenance.
On that note, having this meat and other kinds of it can be more beneficial for bodybuilders, recovering athletes, people-post surgery, and other individuals who need to build up and repair muscles.
Moreover, it also contains some amounts of fats. The usual proportional range of fat in it is about 10 to 16%, but depending on trimming and other factors, it can go higher. However, sometimes there is a cooking fat from the clarified pig fat you can use to prepare your meal. Lard is the term for that.
Furthermore, it also composes saturated fats and unsaturated fats similarly to the other red meat type with approximately equal amounts. Yet, the fatty acid composition of it is more different than the ruminant animal’s meat like beef and lamb.
There are also some vitamins and minerals that you can get in this meat. It includes the following:
- Thiamine - is an essential B vitamin that has an excellent role in some bodily functions. And unlike beef and lamb, it is rich in thiamine.
- Selenium - derived foods like egg, meat, seafood, and dairy products are good sources of this mineral.
- Zinc - is a kind of mineral that has a constant vital role in brain function and the immune system.
- Vitamin B12 - also has an essential role in brain function and blood formation. Lack of this vitamin can cause anemia and damage to neurons.
- Vitamin B6 - is another vitamin that is essential in the formation of red blood cells.
- Niacin - is also well known as vitamin B3. And has a vital role in growth and metabolism.
- Phosphorus - is a large component of people’s diets. It also has an essential role in growth and maintenance.
- Iron - unlike beef and lamb, it has a smaller amount of iron. Still, the constant absorption of iron from your digestive tract is very systematic. You can consider it as an excellent source of iron.
On the other hand, it also has other compounds that have a benefit in our body. It includes the following;
- Creatine - is a constant energy source of your muscles. It can improve muscle growth and maintenance, so it is one of the most popular supplements for bodybuilders.
- Taurine - is a nutrient that you can get from fish and meat. It is an antioxidant amino acid that your body has. In dietary intake, it might be beneficial for heart and muscle functions.
- Glutathione - is another antioxidant that you can get from meat. Yet, it can produce in your body also.
- Cholesterol - is a sterol nutrient that you can get from meat and other derived foods like eggs and dairy products. Still, control of cholesterol intake is preferable.
Peppercorns
It is a kind of spice that usually puts in numerous Filipino dishes. An excellent example of that is our star dish of the day. With the presence of this spice, you can create a savory meal that everyone can enjoy. However, aside from that, you can get some nutrients that can benefit your health, especially your body. We listed some of those nutrients below. It includes the following;
In one teaspoon of peppercorns, you can get the following;
- Calories: 6
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 1 grams
- Fiber: 1 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
Aside from the information above, you can also get the following vitamins and minerals;
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Pantothenic Acid (B5)
- Vitamin B6
- Manganese
- Copper
- Iron
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Chromium
Furthermore, there are some benefits that you can from having peppercorns. It includes the following;
- It is high in antioxidants.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It may benefit your brain health.
- It may improve blood sugar control.
- It may lower your cholesterol level.
- It may have cancer-fighting properties.
- It can boost the absorption of nutrients.
- It may promote gut health.
- It may offer pain relief.
- It may reduce appetite.
- It is a versatile spice.
Onion
It is a kind of vegetable that is always present in numerous courses. It contains a unique taste that can provide a savory flavor in every dish that you have. Yet, other than that, it also has an ample amount of nutrients that can benefit your health. We listed some of them below. It includes the following;
In 3.5 ounces or 100 grams of onion, you can get the following;
- Calories: 40
- Water: 89%
- Protein: 1.1 grams
- Carbs: 9.3 grams
- Sugar: 4.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.7 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
On the other hand, you can also get some vitamin and mineral content from the onion. It includes the following;
- Vitamin C - is a kind of antioxidant that focuses on immune function and skin and hair maintenance.
- Folate (B9) - is water-soluble that has a vital role in cell growth and metabolism, and essential in pregnant women.
- Vitamin B6 - is a vitamin involved in the formation of red blood cells.
- Potassium - is vital to lowering your blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
It also contains some other plant compounds that might benefit your body. It includes the following;
- Anthocyanins - are a substance that you can only get from the red and purple onion. It is a kind of powerful antioxidant and pigments that can provide reddish color to the onions.
- Quercetin - is another antioxidant flavonoid. It also can lower your blood pressure and improves your heart health.
- Sulfur compounds - it is sulfides and polysulfides that can protect you from cancer.
- Thiosulfinates - are sulfur-containing compounds that may inhibit harmful microorganisms’ growth and avoid blood clots’ formation.
On that note, we listed some benefits that you can get from the onion. It includes the following;
- It is rich in antioxidants.
- It may protect you from cancer.
- It can improve bone density.
- It can also offer healthy digestion.
- It can help you to lower your cholesterol.
- It can also enhance your sugar regulation.
Tips on cooking Pork Belly Recipe
In making meals, there is some information that may help you while you are preparing them. That is why we listed some of the tips that you can consider to perform. These details can serve as your guidelines to prepare your course excellently. So, keep on navigating as we provide these data. It includes the following;
Boiling meat can help to achieve the perfect crispiness that you want
Every meat has a standard texture when it comes to cooking. That is why with the use of the boiling process, you can tenderize and prepare it all through. Traditionally, when you are frying pork, you need to boil it first to cook the inside of your meat. As you know, meat compounds are among the most challenging elements you need to soften to eat appropriately.
Furthermore, In cooking our star dish, equal quality, density, and texture of the meat are necessary because it affects the frying process you need to perform to achieve the crunchiness and the crispiness of your deep-fried pork belly. When you boil it in a pot, make sure that you do not overcook it. Also, don’t remove the skin because it is the part that contains the crunchiness of your menu.
Moreover, seasoned the meat upon boiling it to get some flavor that you need. Afterward, set it aside to cool it completely. The most advisable so far up to this moment is to place it in your fridge. It is because it can help the meat to solidify the fats that you have in your compound. After 1 hour, you can now remove it from the fridge.
Make ready the wok and the oil before you remove it from the fridge. If you set it done, you can now put your meat into the oil. Upon cooking, you can observe that there is no splattering happening. It is because the cold temperature of it can counter the hot pressure of the oil. Plus, upon cooking, the water in it evaporates and reacts to your compound. That is why it creates a crisp effect on your menu. After it turns golden brown, you can now remove it and set it aside.
Add something for the meat to absorb
Unlike other typical menus, the frying compound is much lesser in taste. That is why it is excellent if you put some effort into adding a more savory effect to it. While the meat is floating into the oil, you can add onion, peppercorns, and garlic as an additional flavoring.
The onion can provide a sweet taste to your menu. The peppercorn also can offer spiciness that you can enjoy. The garlic can also be an extra element in this cuisine. These three compounds have an outstanding aroma that can activate your taste buds even if you only smell it. That is why they are excellent options to consider.
On the other hand, the meat is an excellent absorber that is not challenging to add some seasoning. That is why to improve the taste of our star dish, try to put these elements. Still, ensure that you put in enough than too much. As you know, to prevent them from overpowering the natural flavor of your menu.
Partial covering
The Filipino love of cooking is an extraordinary thing. But for some cases, when they are frying something, they always cover it throughout. Yet, this section wants to correct that wrongdoing. Did you know that it is more improper if you cover your pan while frying? Yes, that is right because it looks like you might add fire to the fuel when you do this thing.
While frying something and you cover it completely, the cover can collect so much water from the steam of your compound. When you remove the surface, it tends to fall into the oil and cause so much trouble for you. Worse, it can also cause an accident when the oil splatter all over you. So the excellent way is to cover it in a haft and create an airway on the other side of the lid. That way, you can control the situation appropriately.
Excellent Served with
This section includes the list of the courses that have excellent chemistry with our star dish. We come up with a list of the possible menus that can provide an incredible combo for you. It can also guide you to decide what combo suits your taste the most. So, let us get started! Below are the following;
- Steamed rice - as a Filipino, having rice is typical. That is why including it in the list is possible. It has a specific taste that can complement the salty taste of the Lechon Kawali. It is perfect when you serve it with the dipping sauce. Rice has an addictive effect that can boost your appetite to keep you from eating more. That is why you can consider it as an excellent option.
- Kare-Kare - is a sweet and nutty flavored menu. It is because one of its compounds is an ample amount of peanut butter. It has a sweet yet salty flavor that can complement our star dish. You can separate the sauce from the meat and add the crispy menu that we have. This combo is outstanding because it can provide an extra savory taste to our star dish. The Lechon can absorb the flavor of the Kare-Kare that is why it builds an excellent combo.
- Sinigang - is a stew with a sour flavor that can counter the saltiness of our star dish. The contrasting taste of these two surprisingly works well. That is why many individuals are enjoying this combination. Including it in your menu can provide an outstanding result.
- A cold beer - is one of the easiest to partner with. The bitterness of the beer can counter the salty yet delicious taste of our star dish. It can provide a refreshing flavor that offers an addictive taste. As a result, it can boost your appetite to take more beverages and enjoy your day.
Conclusion
We have come this far. We hope that you enjoy every section that we provide. And give some time to share it with your family and friends. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to browse our site anytime. Besides, if you come across some instances in your preparation, you can look for troubleshooting.
Moreover, we also give some details about some tips that you can consider to perform. It can help you to prepare your meal properly. And if it catches your interest, you can also navigate the trivia to provide extra knowledge about our star dish’s other side.
So, what are you waiting for? It looks like that this menu deserves a slot in your menu. Give it a try and leave a remarkable impression on your family. You can also serve it on any occasion that you have. And again, include it every time you drink cold beer and feel the combo’s refreshment. Enjoy cooking!
Recipe
Super Lechon Kawali Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs Pork belly
- 3 cups Water
- 1 pc Onion big size
- ½ teaspoon Peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 3 cups Cooking Oil
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the pork belly, salt, peppercorns, and onions. Simmer for a total time of 30 mins to 60 mins or until the meat gets tender.
- Skim the scum that will float, then cover the pot. Lower the heat and continue cooking for a total time of 5 mins.
- Transfer the meat to a small meat rack and refrigerate overnight to dry and cool it completely.
- Then, start deep-frying the meat for about 350 F to 375 F. Note: Put each compound in a pot with extra care. Fry until crispy and golden brown.
- Sprinkle cold water onto the meat and hot oil every 5 mins while frying it to make the pork crispier’s skin.
- Prepare a wire rack. Then, remove the meat from the pot and place them on the side to cool down. Leave for about 5 mins of total time.
- Cut into serving pieces.
- Tip: excellent served with Lechon sauce or your choice of dip.
- Serve hot and enjoy!