Bagnet Recipe

Bagnet is a bit similar to chicharon, but the method of preparation and cooking is different. This is a must-taste food when you are in the province of Ilocos. It is a slab of pork that is deep-fried until it turns golden brown. According to the locals of Ilocos, the secret in achieving the crispy bagnet recipe is to make sure that the pork is dry when you deep-fry it in hot oil.

Bagnet Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-kilo pork liempo (pork belly), whole cut
• 1/2 head garlic
• 1 tsp. peppercorns
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 bay leaves
• cooking oil for frying

Cooking Procedure:

1. Wash pork belly, cut into large chunks and place in a large pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the pork belly.
3. Add in salt, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves.
4. Cover and bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer for 30-45 minutes or until pork is tender. Remove all scum that rises.
5. Remove from the pot and place in a colander and let sit for a while so the liquid will drain. Prick the skin many times using a fork then Dry with paper towels if necessary. Keep refrigerated for several hours.
6. In a large kawali heat, enough cooking oil and deep fry pork belly at low heat for 30-45 minutes or until the pork turns brown.
7. Remove pork belly from the kawali and drain oil in a colander or paper towels, allow to cool completely.
8. Reheat the same oil over moderate heat deep fry the pork belly once more for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, crisp and blisters appear on the skin. Drain on paper towels.
9. Chop bagnet to serving pieces and serve immediately with a selection of sukang Ilokos or tomatoes and onions with bagoong isda dip or alamang.