This Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly is a popular street food in Bangkok, offering the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and savory flavors. The pork belly is marinated with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and seasonings, then coated in tempura flour and deep-fried until golden brown. It’s served with a delicious dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and toasted rice powder, which enhances the pork’s flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 1 pound (450g) pork belly

• 2 tbsp fish sauce (Squid brand)

• 1 tsp white pepper

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 4 tbsp tempura flour (Korean frying mix flour)

• 4 cups cooking oil (rice bran oil works best)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tsp chili flakes

• 1 tsp toasted glutinous rice powder

• 1½ tbsp juice from fresh lime

• 1 tsp chopped spring onion

• 1 tsp chopped coriander

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into pieces about 7 inches long and 1 inch thick. Use a fork to poke both sides of the meat so that the marinade can be absorbed better.

2. Marinate the Pork: In a medium bowl, combine fish sauce, white pepper, oyster sauce, sugar, and mix well. Place the pork belly in a shallow tray and pour the marinade over it, rubbing it evenly into the meat. Dust the pork with tempura flour on both sides. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate and store it for later).

3. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, chili flakes, toasted rice powder, lime juice, spring onion, and coriander. Taste and adjust lime juice as needed. Set aside.

4. Fry the Pork Belly: Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork belly and fry for 8–10 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Remove the pork from the pan and drain on a paper towel for 5 minutes.

5. Serve: Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve warm with the dipping sauce.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approx. 530 kcal

• Total Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 38g

This crispy pork belly is perfect for a satisfying meal or as a flavorful appetizer, paired with the tangy dipping sauce for an unforgettable taste!

Why This Dish Works

Perfect Balance of Textures

The crispiness of the pork belly is the highlight of this dish. Coated in tempura flour and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, each bite offers the perfect crunch while the pork inside remains juicy and tender. The skin crisps up beautifully, creating that perfect crispy bite, while the meat inside stays succulent and flavorful. This contrast in textures—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—makes it a truly satisfying dish.

Marinated for Deep Flavor

The marinade for the pork belly, which includes fish sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and sugar, infuses the meat with a savory umami flavor that’s characteristic of Thai cuisine. The fish sauce and oyster sauce contribute saltiness and depth, while the white pepper and sugar add a mild heat and a hint of sweetness. This marinade enhances the natural flavor of the pork and ensures that each bite is bursting with Thai-inspired flavor.

Tangy and Flavorful Dipping Sauce

The dipping sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the crispy pork belly. Made with fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, toasted rice powder, and fresh herbs, it adds tanginess, spice, and complexity to the dish. The toasted rice powder adds a unique flavor and a subtle crunch, enhancing the sauce’s texture. Spring onions and coriander bring freshness, balancing the richness of the pork belly with their bright flavors.

Simple, Quick, and Flavorful

Despite its deep flavors, Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly is relatively simple to make. The process involves marinating the pork, frying it to perfection, and whipping up a quick dipping sauce. The whole dish can be ready in under an hour, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal or a flavorful appetizer.

How to Make Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

Start by cutting the pork belly into pieces that are approximately 7 inches long and 1 inch thick. Use a fork to poke both sides of the pork belly, which will help the marinade penetrate the meat and enhance the flavor. This also helps ensure that the pork belly cooks evenly, especially when frying.

2. Marinate the Pork Belly

In a medium bowl, combine the fish sauce, white pepper, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together. Place the pork belly in a shallow tray and pour the marinade over the meat. Rub the marinade evenly into the pork belly, making sure all the pieces are coated. Next, dust the pork with tempura flour on both sides. Let the pork belly marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer if needed. The marination helps the pork belly absorb all the delicious flavors before frying.

3. Make the Dipping Sauce

While the pork belly is marinating, you can prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, chili flakes, toasted rice powder, and lime juice. Stir until the rice powder is fully dissolved. Add the chopped spring onion and chopped coriander to the sauce and mix to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the lime juice to your liking—it should be tangy and a little spicy to balance the richness of the pork belly.

4. Fry the Pork Belly

Heat 4 cups of cooking oil (such as rice bran oil, which works best for deep-frying) in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated pork belly pieces, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Fry the pork for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the pork is deep golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure the pork is fully cooked and the skin is crispy. Once done, remove the pork belly from the oil and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate for about 5 minutes to remove excess oil.

5. Serve

After draining, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve the crispy pork belly with the dipping sauce on the side. You can also garnish the dish with some extra sesame seeds or chopped herbs for added flavor and color.

What to Serve With Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly

While Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly can be enjoyed on its own, pairing it with some sides will make for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The rich, crispy pork belly pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful dipping sauce and complements the richness of the meat.

2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans adds some freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the pork belly.

3. Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad with lime, chili, and a little sugar provides a refreshing contrast to the savory and fatty pork belly. The coolness of the cucumbers and the tang of the lime offer a great balance to the dish.

4. Noodles: Pad Thai noodles or other stir-fried noodles can be served alongside the pork belly for a more substantial meal. The noodles will absorb some of the dipping sauce, making every bite more flavorful.

Health Considerations

While Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly is incredibly flavorful and indulgent, it is a dish that should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content from the deep-frying process. The pork belly provides a good amount of protein, but it is also rich in saturated fat.

For a lighter version, you can consider baking the pork belly instead of frying it, or use leaner cuts of meat like chicken thighs. If you’re looking to reduce sodium, try using low-sodium soy sauce for the dipping sauce and marinade. Pairing the dish with lighter sides like vegetables and rice will help balance the meal.

Conclusion

Thai-Style Crispy Pork Belly is a dish that’s full of bold, savory flavors, offering a perfect balance of crispy, juicy pork paired with a tangy dipping sauce. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, Thai-inspired flavors. The crispy pork, marinated to perfection, combined with the fresh, aromatic dipping sauce, creates a memorable meal that’s full of texture and flavor.