Cebu-Style Lechon Belly with Lemongrass and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This recipe captures the fragrant essence of Cebu's famous lechon, roasting pork belly stuffed with lemongrass stalks and fresh basil for aromatic, crispy skin and juicy meat. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 110 minutes pairs pounds pork belly, skin on, stalks lemongrass stalks, smashed, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, score the skin of 3 pounds pork belly in a crosshatch pattern, about 1/2 inch apart.
  2. Step 2: Rub the pork belly all over with 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves, making sure to get into the scored skin and meat.
  3. Step 3: Stuff 4 smashed lemongrass stalks and 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves under the pork belly skin and in the cavity if rolled.
  4. Step 4: Place the pork belly skin-side up on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Brush 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over the skin.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour, then increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for an additional 30 minutes until the skin is blistered and crispy.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing into portions and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cebu-Style Lechon Belly with Lemongrass and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cebu-Style Lechon Belly with Lemongrass and Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork belly, skin on from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cebu-Style Lechon Belly with Lemongrass and Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cebu-Style Lechon Belly with Lemongrass and Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cebu-Style Lechon Belly with Lemongrass and Basil?

Filipino pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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