Crispy Pork Liempo with Mango Salsa

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

Golden-brown pan-fried pork belly served with a sweet-tangy mango salsa, balancing rich meat with fresh citrus notes. This filipino ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork belly, cornstarch, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb sliced pork belly with 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar until evenly coated. Let rest for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated pork belly slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Pork Liempo with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Crispy Pork Liempo with Mango Salsa?

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 pork belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Pork Liempo with Mango Salsa?

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 Crispy Pork Liempo with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Crispy Pork Liempo with Mango Salsa?

Filipino filipino 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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