Thai Fried Pork Belly with Tamarind Jaew Sauce

As much as I try to eat healthy, well….there are some things that always make the cut in my book and this pork belly is definitely one of them (heeeheee).

This recipe is very easy to make and yet so satisfying. The tamarind Jaew dipping sauce is optional but high recommended – to cut off the fattiness with some tang and sweetness from the tamarind and palm sugar.

Always best with ice-cold beverages (if you know what I mean ;D).
Let’s get cooking!

---

Ingredients:
# Pork belly
– 2 lb of pork belly (skin on or off)
– 2 tbsp of fish sauce
– 1 tbsp of seasoning soy sauce
– 1/2 tsp of sugar
– 1 tsp of white pepper, crushed
– 1 tsp of garlic powder
– 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Fried shallots, for garnish (optional)

# Jaew dipping sauce
– 2 tsp of fish sauce
– 1 tsp of tamarind paste
– 1 tsp of palm sugar syrup (boil equal part palm sugar and water)
– 1 lime wedge, squeezed
– 1/2 tsp of Thai chili flake
– 1 tsp of roasted rice powder
– 1 tsp shallots
– 1 tsp of green onions (or mint leaves, cilantro)

---

Preparation:
– Cut pork belly into about 1″x1″ cubes. Leave the skin on for extra texture or remove as preferred.
– In a mixing bowl, marinade the pork belly cubes with fish sauce, seasoning soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and garlic powder. Then, let sit for at least 20 minutes.
– After 20 minutes (or more), dust all-purpose flours onto the marinated pork belly. This helps add extra crispiness and prevents oil from splashing too much.
– In a heavy-bottom pots (i.e. dutch oven/ cast iron), heat oil on a medium high heat. When the oil is hot enough (I test it by sticking wooden chopsticks into the oil. If there are tiny bubbles on the chopsticks, then the oil is ready), gently place the pork belly into the oil. Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pork sticking to the bottom of the pot. Fry the pork until golden brown and cooked through (appx. 10-15 minutes). Remove from the frying pan with spider strainer. Served with fried shallots on top (optional).
– To make Jaew sauce, combine all ingredients listed above for Jaew sauce Add the roasted rice powder and chili before serving.

Tips: serve with sticky rice, jaew sauce, cucumbers, and ice-cold beverages!