Teresa's Recipes
Authentic Filipino Chicharon
Chicharon, a celebrated snack in Filipino cuisine, is a delightfully crispy and savory dish made from deep-fried pork rinds. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, paving the way for a burst of rich, porky flavor, uplifted by a hint of garlic, salt, and pepper. This timeless classic is more than just a snack - it's a culinary tradition that brings back fond memories of home and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram, cut into bite-sized pieces Pork belly
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon, freshly ground Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- Enough for deep frying Oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Snack/Appetizer
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 39g
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 43g
- Sodium: 788mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- Pat dry pork belly pieces with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Combine salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl.
- Rub this flavorful spice mixture evenly over the pork belly pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Leave them to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy pot until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Carefully add the pork belly pieces to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, fry in batches if necessary.
- Deep-fry the pork pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicharon from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this classic Filipino chicharon as a snack or appetizer, perhaps with a side of vinegar dip for an extra zing.
Tips
- To ensure the crispiness of the chicharon, make sure the pork belly is completely dry before frying.
- Fry the pork belly in small batches to maintain the oil's temperature.
- You may also add a dash of chili powder to the spice mixture for an extra kick.