Fried Pork Knuckles with Garlic Vinegar Sauce

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

Golden-brown pork knuckles coated in a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce, with a perfect crisp exterior and tender interior. This filipino ready in about 75 minutes blends pork knuckles, cooking oil, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork knuckles in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes until tender. Drain and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork knuckles and fry for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 4 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Pour mixture over fried pork knuckles and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fried Pork Knuckles with Garlic Vinegar Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Fried Pork Knuckles with Garlic Vinegar Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fried Pork Knuckles with Garlic Vinegar Sauce?

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 Fried Pork Knuckles with Garlic Vinegar Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Fried Pork Knuckles with Garlic Vinegar Sauce?

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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