Crispy pork belly
When it comes to Thai cuisine, crispy pork belly is widely acknowledged as one of the most mouthwatering dishes. This flavorful, fatty, and tender pork is a staple of Thai street food, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Crispy pork belly is eaten as a main dish or used as a topping in stir-fries and noodle dishes.
The secret to getting the perfect crispy pork belly lies in marinating the pork for at least 24 hours before roasting. The marinade ingredients are simple but unique, highlighting the flavors of the five basic tastes – salt, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and a blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, and white peppercorns. Some recipes may also include lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves for a fragrant touch.
To prepare the pork, you need to score the skin with a sharp knife to help release the fat during roasting. This ensures a crispy, crunchy skin that is the hallmark of the dish. The pork is then roasted in a preheated oven at high heat until the skin is evenly blistered and crisp. The result is a succulent, juicy pork with a crispy outer layer that is simply irresistible.
Crispy pork belly is served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a spicy chili sauce, a tangy tamarind sauce, or a sweet and savory soy sauce. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or used to add flavor and texture to other Thai recipes. In Thailand, it is often served atop a bed of steaming rice, accompanied by a simple vegetable stir-fry on the side.
One thing to keep in mind when preparing crispy pork belly is that it can be quite calorie-dense due to the high fat content. However, there are ways to make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. For instance, you can opt for leaner cuts of pork, limit the amount of oil used during roasting, or serve the dish with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
In conclusion, if you are looking to tantalize your taste buds with a truly exquisite Thai dish, look no further than crispy pork belly. This delectable delicacy packs a punch of flavors and textures that make it a stand-out dish in the world of Thai cuisine. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into other recipes, crispy pork belly is a must-try for any foodie or home cook looking to explore the delicious world of Thai cooking.
Ingredients:
1 lb pork belly, skin on 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp white pepper 1 tbsp five spice powder 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp ginger powder 1 tbsp sugar 2 cups vegetable oil
Marinade: 3 tbsp soy sauce 3 tbsp oyster sauce 2 tbsp fish sauce 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp orange juice 2 tbsp orange zest 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Rinse the pork belly and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut into the meat.
- Rub the salt into the skin.
- In a small bowl, mix together the white pepper, five spice powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, and sugar. Rub this mixture over the pork belly, making sure to cover all sides of the meat.
- Place the pork belly on a baking tray with a wire rack, skin-side up. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the marinade by mixing together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, cilantro, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Fry the marinated pork belly pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the fried pork belly on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite Thai dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy pork belly!