Pinakupsan, also known as Chicharrones, is a popular Filipino dish that’s similar to Lechon Kawali and Crispy Pata. It’s a deep-fried pork belly dish that’s crispy on the outside but soft and juicy on the inside.
Janis has put her own twist on this classic dish by preparing it as Oven-Fried Chicharron Adobo. Instead of deep-frying the pork belly, it’s oven-fried, which is a healthier option. The addition of adobo sauce also adds a unique and flavorful twist to the dish.
Chicharrones are a popular snack in the Philippines and are often enjoyed with a cold beer or soda. The crispy and savory flavors of the pork belly make it a satisfying and filling snack or meal. Janis’ Oven-Fried Chicharron Adobo is a great example of how a classic dish can be transformed into something new and exciting.
Ingredients: 3-4 servings
1 lb. pork belly, cut in cubes
4 dried pepper leaves
4 cloves chopped garlic
3-4 cups water
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 medium sliced, red onions
Cooking Procedure:
- Clean the pork, cut vertical slits on the pork skin edges without cutting through them. Boil pork in water, dried pepper leaves and salt until pork is fork-tender. Let the pork cool off, then season it with garlic, salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 450F. Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet, let the pork lay flat on the wire rack with the meat down, skin up to set it up for the broiling process.
- Place the baking sheet on the top level of the oven rack. Broil the pork for 20 minutes. When broiling is done, place the baking sheet on the lower oven rack and bake it for 30-40 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, remove Oven-Fried Chicharron Adobo from the oven, place it on the chopping board, then cut pork into cubes. Place chopped Chicharonnes on a serving bowl and get it ready to serve.
- To create the dip, place 1/4 cup vinegar on a dipping bowl, garnish it with sliced onions, chopped garlic, salt and pepper.
- Serve Oven-Fried Chicharron Adobo hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the crispy yumminess!
Tip: Filipino men use this dish as “pulutan”, or appetizer on their social drinking gatherings, which is a common tradition in our country. For us, it’s just a great part of a meal, or can be served during parties and family gatherings.