How To Cook Lechon Belly In Microwave Oven

If you’re craving the delicious and succulent taste of lechon belly, but don’t have access to a traditional oven, don’t worry! You can still enjoy this Filipino favorite by using your microwave oven. While it may not be the conventional method, cooking lechon belly in the microwave can produce surprisingly tasty results.

Lechon belly, also known as roasted pork belly, is a popular dish in the Philippines. It is typically cooked by roasting a whole pig over an open fire or in a specially designed oven. The result is a crispy skin and moist and flavorful meat. However, if you don’t have the luxury of an oven, a microwave can be a great alternative.

Before you start cooking, it’s important to note that using a microwave to cook lechon belly may not result in the same crispy skin as traditional roasting methods. However, the meat can still be incredibly tender and full of flavor.

So, if you’re ready to try your hand at cooking lechon belly in the microwave, let’s get started with this simple and delicious recipe!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Lechon Belly in the Microwave Oven

Lechon belly is a delicious and succulent roasted pork dish that is a popular centerpiece for celebrations in the Philippines. Traditionally cooked over open charcoal pits, it can also be prepared using modern kitchen appliances such as a microwave oven. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking lechon belly in the microwave oven:

1. Start by preparing the lechon belly. You can ask your local butcher to prepare the belly for you or do it yourself. Trim off excess fat and make small incisions on the skin using a sharp knife.
2. For the marinade, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of additional spices or herbs in a bowl.
3. Place the lechon belly in a resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the container, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
4. When ready to cook, remove the lechon belly from the marinade and let it come to room temperature. Pat the skin dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
5. Prepare the microwave-safe dish you will be using to cook the lechon belly. Place a metal rack or trivet in the dish to elevate the meat and allow for better air circulation.
6. Transfer the lechon belly onto the rack, ensuring that the skin is facing up. Cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
7. Cook the lechon belly in the microwave oven on a medium-high setting. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat, but a general guideline is to cook for 10 minutes per pound of meat.
8. After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the plastic wrap or lid to allow the skin to crisp up. Increase the microwave power to high and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
9. Once done, remove the lechon belly from the microwave oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the lechon belly hot with steamed rice and your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!

While cooking lechon belly in the microwave oven may not replicate the traditional smoky flavors, it can still yield a delicious and tender dish that is perfect for smaller gatherings or when outdoor cooking is not an option. Try this step-by-step guide and impress your family and friends with your homemade lechon belly!

Preparing the Lechon Belly

Before cooking the lechon belly in the microwave oven, it is important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Follow these steps to prepare the lechon belly:

1. Thaw the Lechon Belly

If the lechon belly was frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Place the frozen meat in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours until it is fully thawed.

2. Clean and Dry the Lechon Belly

Once thawed, rinse the lechon belly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

3. Marinate the Lechon Belly

Marinating the lechon belly is essential to infuse it with flavor. Prepare a marinade using your preferred ingredients such as garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper, and other spices. Place the lechon belly in a container or plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure all sides are coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

4. Prepare the Stuffing

In traditional lechon belly recipes, the belly is often stuffed with flavorful ingredients. You can prepare a stuffing of your choice by combining ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. This optional step adds an extra layer of taste to the dish.

• Chop the onions and garlic.
• Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
• Add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
• Let the stuffing cool before using it to stuff the lechon belly.

5. Roll and Secure the Lechon Belly

After marinating and stuffing the lechon belly (if desired), carefully roll it tightly into a cylinder shape. Use kitchen twine or food-safe string to secure the rolled meat. Tie the string securely at regular intervals to prevent it from coming undone during cooking.

6. Let it Rest

Before cooking, let the prepared lechon belly rest for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the flavors are fully infused and the meat is evenly marinated.

Now that the lechon belly is prepared, it is ready to be cooked in the microwave oven using the appropriate cooking method.

Marinating the Lechon Belly

Marinating the lechon belly is an important step in achieving a flavorful and tender roast. Here is a simple marinade recipe to use:

To marinate the lechon belly:

1. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, pepper, and salt.
2. Place the lechon belly in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl.
3. Pour the marinade over the lechon belly, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the meat will be.
5. Occasionally flip the lechon belly to ensure that every side is well-marinated.

After marinating, you are ready to cook the lechon belly in the microwave oven. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully for a delicious and tender roast!

Cooking the Lechon Belly in the Microwave Oven

Lechon belly is a popular Filipino dish known for its succulent and flavorful meat. Traditionally, cooking lechon belly requires roasting it on a spit over open flames for several hours. However, if you don’t have access to a traditional rotisserie or prefer a quicker and more convenient cooking method, you can try using a microwave oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram lechon belly
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lechon belly by patting it dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a marinade.
3. Place the lechon belly in a microwave-safe dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat the meat evenly.
4. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
5. Place the dish in the microwave oven and cook on high power for 10 minutes.
6. After 10 minutes, remove the dish from the microwave and carefully remove the lid or plastic wrap, taking caution to avoid steam burns.
7. Return the dish to the microwave and cook on medium power for an additional 15 minutes.
8. Check the internal temperature of the lechon belly using a meat thermometer. It should reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
9. If the lechon belly is not yet fully cooked, return it to the microwave and continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
10. Once cooked, remove the dish from the microwave and let the lechon belly rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

While cooking lechon belly in a microwave oven may not produce the same crispy skin as traditional roasting methods, it can still result in a tender and flavorful dish. Serve the lechon belly with steamed rice, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or tacos. Enjoy!

Serving and Enjoying the Lechon Belly

Once your lechon belly is cooked and ready to serve, it’s time to gather your friends and family to enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips for serving and enjoying the lechon belly:

1. Presentation is key. Place the lechon belly on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. This will add a pop of color and enhance the overall look of the dish.

2. Slice it up. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the lechon belly into thin, even slices. Serve each slice with a crispy skin, tender meat, and a generous amount of sauce.

3. Serve with traditional sides. Lechon belly is traditionally served with a side of steamed rice, as well as a variety of dipping sauces such as spicy vinegar or lechon sauce. These accompaniments complement the flavors of the dish and enhance your dining experience.

4. Enjoy with loved ones. Lechon belly is best enjoyed with friends and family. Gather around the table, share stories and laughter, and savor each bite of this mouthwatering dish together.

5. Don’t forget the leftovers. If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The lechon belly can be reheated in the microwave or oven for future meals. Simply wrap in foil and warm until heated through.

Serving and enjoying lechon belly is a true delight. The crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful sauce make it a standout dish that everyone will enjoy. So gather your loved ones and indulge in this scrumptious feast!

FAQ

Is it possible to cook lechon belly in a microwave oven?

Yes, it is possible to cook lechon belly in a microwave oven.

What ingredients do I need to cook lechon belly in a microwave oven?

To cook lechon belly in a microwave oven, you will need the following ingredients: 2 to 3 pounds of pork belly, salt, pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and lemongrass.