30/09/2025
reparing Lechon Baboy
1. Ingredients
◦ 5-6 pounds of pork belly, boneless
◦ 1/4 cup soy sauce
◦ 1/4 cup vinegar
◦ 6 cloves garlic, minced
◦ 1 tablespoon salt
◦ 1 tablespoon pepper
◦ 1 tablespoon sugar
◦ 1 teaspoon paprika
◦ Optional: lemongrass, scallions, red onions
2. Marinating the Pork Belly
◦ Score the skin of the pork belly diagonally with a sharp knife. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
◦ In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, and paprika. Mix well to create the marinade.
◦ Place the pork belly in a large resealable bag or deep dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is well-coated.
◦ Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Cooking Lechon Baboy in the Oven
1. Preparation
◦ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
◦ Remove the pork belly from the marinade and place it on a roasting rack in a baking pan with the skin facing up.
◦ Pat the pork belly skin dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
◦ Season the pork belly with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
2. Roasting
◦ Roast for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
◦ For extra crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F to 450°F during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
3. Resting and Serving
◦ Remove the lechon belly from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
◦ Slice and serve with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce, such as lechon sauce or spiced vinegar.
Tips for Perfect Lechon Baboy
• Scoring the Skin: Make sure to score the skin deeply but be careful not to cut into the meat.
• Drying the Skin: Drying the skin overnight in the refrigerator helps to achieve a crispier skin.
• Even Cooking: Use a roasting rack to allow heat to circulate evenly around the pork belly.
• Basting: Basting occasionally with melted butter can help the skin to become more crispy and golden brown.
• Resting: Allowing the meat to rest before slicing helps to retain the juices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.