Ilocano-Inspired Bagnet with Garlic and Vinegar Dipping Sauce

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

Crispy, deep-fried pork belly inspired by the Ilocos region, served with a zesty garlic and vinegar dipping sauce to balance the richness. This Filipino-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 90 minutes, pairs salt, water, vegetable oil for deep frying for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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: 70 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 2 pounds pork belly cut into 2-inch cubes with 6 cups water and 2 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes until pork is tender but not falling apart.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork belly from water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour to dry the skin.
  3. Step 3: Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Carefully add the pork belly pieces in batches and deep-fry for 10-12 minutes until the skin is blistered and crackling crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 sliced bird's eye chili if using. Stir well to make the dipping sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the crispy bagnet hot with the garlic vinegar sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ilocano-Inspired Bagnet with Garlic and Vinegar Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Ilocano-Inspired Bagnet with Garlic and Vinegar Dipping Sauce?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ilocano-Inspired Bagnet with Garlic and Vinegar Dipping 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 Ilocano-Inspired Bagnet with Garlic and Vinegar Dipping 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 Ilocano-Inspired Bagnet with Garlic and Vinegar Dipping Sauce?

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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