Crispy Pork Belly (Caramu Crop) Recipe - Thai Style

Indulge your senses in the irresistible crunch and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of perfectly crispy pork belly, prepared with a vibrant Thai twist. This recipe elevates the classic dish, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine succulent, golden-brown pork belly, its skin crackling with satisfying crispness, generously seasoned with aromatic Thai spices and herbs. The rich, savory fat renders beautifully, creating a mouthwatering base for the perfectly balanced blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience.

Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times. This recipe simplifies the process, guiding you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions to make your own incredible crispy pork belly.

Tools Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Fork

Ingredients

  • Pork belly
  • Spring onion
  • Ginger
  • Chinese cooking wine
  • Oil
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sugar
  • Yum Yum sauce
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Pre-cook the Pork Belly

  • Cut pork belly into three strips. Add spring onion, ginger, and Chinese cooking wine to water to remove porky smell.
  • Blanch pork belly in the water for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove pork belly from water and poke holes in it with a fork.
Blanch pork belly in the water for about 10 minutes.Remove pork belly from water and poke holes in it with a fork.
Prepare and Pre-cook the Pork Belly

Step 2. Crisp the Pork Belly

  • Air fry pork belly for 1 hour at 100°.
  • Deep fry the air-fried pork belly until crispy.
  • Chop up the fried pork belly.
Air fry pork belly for 1 hour at 100°.Deep fry the air-fried pork belly until crispy.Chop up the fried pork belly.
Crisp the Pork Belly

Step 3. Make the Caramu Crop Sauce

  • Combine chilies, garlic, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, Yum Yum sauce, and a little water.
Make the sauce: Combine chilies, garlic, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, Yum Yum sauce, and a little water.
Make the Caramu Crop Sauce

Step 4. Combine and Serve

  • Add the chopped pork belly to the sauce and mix well.
  • Serve.
Add the chopped pork belly to the sauce and mix well.Serve.
Combine and Serve

Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe

Tips

  • This recipe doesn't require overnight preparation.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 500-700
  • Fat: 40-60g
  • Carbs: 10-20g
  • Protein: 20-30g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork instead of pork belly?

While pork belly is ideal for its fat content, you can try a cut with more fat, like pork shoulder, but the crispiness might be slightly less pronounced. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. How do I ensure the skin gets extra crispy?

Pat the skin thoroughly dry before scoring and seasoning. A high oven temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) helps achieve maximum crispiness. You can also use a blowtorch for extra crispiness.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pork belly a day ahead. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through and the skin is crispy again. The sauce is best made fresh.


This Thai-style crispy pork belly recipe delivers a truly unforgettable culinary experience, balancing satisfying crunch with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The vibrant flavors and aromatic spices will transport your taste buds to the heart of Thailand. Enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends, and savor every crispy, flavorful bite!