Rice & Bowls

Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice

Name: Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin removed; 2 cups (400g) cooked rice, day-old; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated; 1 onion, diced; 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce; 1 tbsp (15ml) fish sauce; 1 tsp (5g) ground black pepper; 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped scallions, for garnish; 1 tbsp (15g) sesame oil, for serving

By Sable Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Bowls

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves4

Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice — Crispy Lechon Kawali Fried Rice

As a lover of Asian cuisine, I've always been fascinated by the diverse flavors and techniques used in different countries. One dish that has caught my attention is Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, a mouthwatering combination of crispy pork, savory rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making this delicious dish from scratch, using accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Lechon Kawali is a popular Filipino dish that originated from the traditional Lechon, a whole roasted pig. The name 'Lechon Kawali' literally means 'fried pork in a pan,' which refers to the crispy fried pork belly that is typically served with steamed rice. To make this dish more accessible, we'll use a simplified recipe that still captures the essence of the original.

One of the key components of Lechon Kawali Fried Rice is the crispy pork, which is achieved by frying the pork belly until golden brown. This process requires some patience and attention to temperature, but the result is well worth the effort. We'll also be using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to create a rich and savory flavor profile.

In this recipe, I'll share with you my tips and tricks for making the perfect Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, including how to achieve crispy pork, how to balance the flavors, and how to cook the rice to the right texture. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and fun to make.

So, let's get started on this culinary journey and explore the world of Filipino cuisine together. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Lechon Kawali Fried Rice that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of crispy pork and flavorful rice is a match made in heaven.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients and seasonings.
The dish is a great way to experience the flavors and techniques of Filipino cuisine.
The recipe is perfect for a crowd, as it can be easily scaled up or down.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Lechon Kawali Fried Rice lies in the combination of crispy pork, flavorful rice, and a balance of Asian spices and seasonings. The crispy pork is achieved by frying the pork belly until golden brown, which creates a satisfying texture that complements the soft and fluffy rice. The flavor profile is further enhanced by the use of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, which add a rich and savory element to the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions, which are sautéed in oil to create a fragrant and flavorful base for the dish. The rice is then cooked with the aromatics and seasonings, which allows the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious balance of tastes and textures.

The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors is to use a combination of salty, sweet, sour, and umami elements. The soy sauce and fish sauce provide a salty and umami flavor, while the oyster sauce adds a sweet and savory element. The garlic and ginger add a pungent and aromatic flavor, which is balanced by the acidity of the vinegar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, you'll need a few key ingredients, including pork belly, cooked rice, and a combination of Asian spices and seasonings. The pork belly is the star of the show, and it's essential to choose a high-quality piece with a good balance of fat and meat. The cooked rice should be day-old rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice.

In addition to the pork and rice, you'll also need a range of aromatics and seasonings, including garlic, ginger, onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to the dish, and help to balance the flavors.

1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin removedPork belly is the key ingredient in Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and it's essential to choose a high-quality piece with a good balance of fat and meat. Look for a piece with a thick layer of fat, as this will help to create a crispy texture when fried.
2 cups (400g) cooked rice, day-oldDay-old rice is essential for making great Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice. If you don't have day-old rice, you can try drying out freshly cooked rice by spreading it out on a baking sheet and placing it in a low-temperature oven for a few hours.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice. Make sure to mince the garlic finely, as this will help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dish.
1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, gratedFresh ginger adds a warm and spicy flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and it helps to balance the richness of the pork and rice. Make sure to grate the ginger finely, as this will help to release the oils and flavor compounds.
1 onion, dicedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and they help to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the richness of the pork. Make sure to dice the onion finely, as this will help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dish.
2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauceSoy sauce is a fundamental ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a salty and umami flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice. Make sure to use a high-quality soy sauce that is low in sodium and has a rich, complex flavor.
1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauceOyster sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and it helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the richness of the pork. Make sure to use a high-quality oyster sauce that is made from real oysters and has a rich, complex flavor.
1 tbsp (15ml) fish sauceFish sauce adds a salty and umami flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and it helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the richness of the pork. Make sure to use a high-quality fish sauce that is made from real fish and has a rich, complex flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and pungent flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and it helps to balance the richness of the pork and rice. Make sure to use freshly ground black pepper, as this will help to release the oils and flavor compounds.
2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oilVegetable oil is used for frying the pork belly and cooking the aromatics, and it helps to create a crispy texture and a flavorful base for the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality vegetable oil that has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped scallions, for garnishScallions add a fresh and oniony flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and they help to balance the richness of the pork and rice. Make sure to chop the scallions finely, as this will help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dish.
1 tbsp (15g) sesame oil, for servingSesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, and it helps to balance the richness of the pork and rice. Make sure to use a high-quality sesame oil that is made from real sesame seeds and has a rich, complex flavor.

Ingredients for Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerTongs or slotted spoonFine-mesh strainerRice cooker or large saucepan

How to Make Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
2
Add the pork belly to the skillet and fry until it's golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until they're fragrant and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes.
4
Add the diced onion to the skillet and stir-fry until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry until it's heated through and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Break up any clumps with a spatula and make sure the rice is evenly coated with the aromatics and oil.
6
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the skillet and stir-fry until the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the rice is heated through.
7
Add the crispy pork belly back into the skillet and stir-fry until it's evenly distributed throughout the rice. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the pork is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
8
Season the Lechon Kawali Fried Rice with ground black pepper to taste. Stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds, until the pepper is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
9
Transfer the Lechon Kawali Fried Rice to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve with a drizzle of sesame oil.
10
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the pork to stay crispy.
11
Serve the Lechon Kawali Fried Rice hot, and enjoy the combination of crispy pork, flavorful rice, and aromatic spices.

Expert Tips

Use day-old rice to make the best Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice.
Don't overcook the pork belly, as it can become tough and dry. Fry it until it's golden brown and crispy, then remove it from the oil and let it drain excess oil.
Use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to create a rich and savory flavor profile. Adjust the amounts to taste, and add other seasonings as desired.
Don't over-stir the rice, as it can become mushy and sticky. Stir-fry it until it's heated through and starting to brown, then add the sauces and seasonings.
Add aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions to the dish to create a fragrant and flavorful base. Adjust the amounts to taste, and add other aromatics as desired.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the pork to stay crispy.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve with a drizzle of sesame oil, to add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to make the dish your own. Try adding other proteins like chicken or shrimp, or using different types of rice or noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork belly, which can make it tough and dry.
Using freshly cooked rice, which can make the dish sticky and mushy.
Not balancing the flavors, which can make the dish too salty or too bland.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can make the pork lose its crispiness.
Not using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, which can make the dish lack depth and complexity.
Not adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions, which can make the dish lack flavor and fragrance.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other proteins like chicken or shrimp to the dish, to create a heartier and more filling meal.
Use different types of rice or noodles, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add other seasonings and ingredients, like chili flakes or chopped herbs, to create a spicy or fresh flavor profile.
Use a different type of oil, like peanut or avocado oil, to create a unique and aromatic flavor.
Add other aromatics, like lemongrass or galangal, to create a fragrant and flavorful base.
Serve the dish with a fried egg or a sprinkle of toasted nuts, to add a rich and satisfying element.
Make the dish vegetarian or vegan, by using tofu or tempeh instead of pork belly and adjusting the seasonings accordingly.

What to Serve With Filipino Lechon Kawali Fried Rice

Lechon Kawali Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving it with a fried egg and a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. You can also serve it as a main course, with a side of grilled meats or seafood. Whatever way you choose to serve it, Lechon Kawali Fried Rice is sure to be a hit.

Some other serving suggestions include:

Fried eggToasted nutsSteamed vegetablesSimple green saladGrilled meats or seafood

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Lechon Kawali Fried Rice can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To make ahead, cook the rice and pork belly, then let them cool to room temperature. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator, then assemble the dish just before serving.

To freeze, cook the rice and pork belly, then let them cool to room temperature. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags, then thaw and assemble the dish just before serving. Reheat the dish in a skillet or wok, stirring constantly, until the rice is heated through and the pork is crispy.

Some tips for reheating Lechon Kawali Fried Rice include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Lechon Kawali Fried Rice?

Day-old rice is best for Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, as it's drier and easier to stir-fry than freshly cooked rice. You can use any type of rice, but jasmine or long-grain rice works well.

Can I use other types of protein instead of pork belly?

Yes, you can use other types of protein like chicken or shrimp instead of pork belly. Just adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

How do I achieve crispy pork belly?

To achieve crispy pork belly, fry it in hot oil until it's golden brown and crispy. Then, remove it from the oil and let it drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.

Can I make Lechon Kawali Fried Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Lechon Kawali Fried Rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just assemble the dish just before serving and reheat it in a skillet or wok.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include adding other proteins like chicken or shrimp, using different types of rice or noodles, or adding other seasonings and ingredients like chili flakes or chopped herbs.

How do I balance the flavors in Lechon Kawali Fried Rice?

To balance the flavors in Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, and adjust the amounts to taste. You can also add other seasonings and ingredients to create a unique flavor profile.

Can I serve Lechon Kawali Fried Rice as a main course?

Yes, you can serve Lechon Kawali Fried Rice as a main course, with a side of grilled meats or seafood. It's also a great side dish or snack.

How do I reheat Lechon Kawali Fried Rice?

To reheat Lechon Kawali Fried Rice, use a skillet or wok and stir constantly until the rice is heated through and the pork is crispy. You can also add a little oil or water to the dish to help it reheat evenly.

The Full Recipe

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