Thịt Heo Quay (Crispy Pork Belly) Recipe

Thịt Heo Quay (Crispy Pork Belly) Recipe
Yield 4
Author Chef Tu David Phu
Prep time
1 Hour
Cook time
1 H & 30 M
Inactive time
30 Min
Total time
3 Hour

Thịt Heo Quay (Crispy Pork Belly) Recipe

Thịt Heo Quay (Crispy Pork Belly) is an iconic, beloved East and southeast Asian dish that is reserved (commonly) for celebratory moments such as weddings and holidays. Well… because it’s a show stopper. The crispy but light skin; paired with the alluring, savoriness (and saline spiced flesh) is sure to hypnotize any pork belly fan. And similar to the Turkey tradition for Thanksgiving Dinner, this dish is just as iconic for east and southeast Asian holidays. You can bet that I will be making this specialty for my next special occasion.
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Ingredients

Instructions

Procedure
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the pork belly in the simmering water and blanch it for 10 minutes.
  3. Carefully remove the pork belly from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon.
  4. Allow the blanched pork belly to cool on a roasting rack for approximately 30 minutes. Set it aside.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: 1 tsp. of garlic powder, 1 tsp. of ginger powder, 1 tsp. of minced lemongrass, 2 tsp. of Chef Tu’s Spice Tribe Pho Seasoning, 2 tsp. of organic sugar, and 2 tsp. of kosher salt.
  6. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and set the seasoning mixture aside.
  7. Using a fork, pierce the skin side of the pork belly, creating multiple holes.
  8. Score the flesh side of the pork belly into 2” x 2” squares.
  9. Season the flesh side of the pork belly generously with the prepared seasoning salt mixture.
  10. Line the pork belly (flesh side) with foil to prevent sticking.
  11. Place the seasoned pork belly on a roasting tray with the skin-side facing up.
  12. Season the skin side of the pork belly with Mizkan Organic Rice Vinegar and sprinkle ½ tsp. of kosher salt evenly over the skin.
  13. Bake the pork belly in a preheated oven at 225°F (107°C) for 60 minutes.
  14. After the initial baking, season the skin side of the pork belly again with Mizkan Organic Rice Vinegar and sprinkle an additional ½ tsp. of kosher salt evenly over the skin.
  15. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and bake the pork belly for an additional 50 minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy and golden.
  16. Remove the cooked pork belly from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 20 minutes before serving.
Assemble
  1. Serve with Bánh Hỏi, Nước Chấm, Lettuces, Cucumbers, and Vietnamese Herbs.

Notes

Definitions


  1. Score - to cut slits on the surface of a piece of food. The most common uses of scoring include small uniform cuts in pieces of raw meat and the deeper slashes that decorate the top of bread loves while letting steam escape.
lunar new year, tet, holiday, pork, roasted pork, crispy pork belly, pig, thit heo, quay, thit heo quay, Thịt Heo Quay
dinner
Vietnamese
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Hi there!

I’m Tu David Phu—a chef, storyteller, and proud Oakland native with a deep love for the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. This space reflects everything I hold close: the roots that shaped me, the flavors that define me, and the stories I’m passionate about sharing.

From my mom’s apartment garden in Oakland to collaborating with kitchens, farmers, craftsmen, producers, scientists, and thought leaders around the world, everything here is a celebration of connection. As a Vietnamese-American shaped by Third Culture, my work honors tradition while embracing the influences of the communities that surround and inspire us.

These experiences, flavors, and relationships are simple, soulful, and deeply personal. My hope is that they inspire you to cook with heart, explore with curiosity, and celebrate the vibrant intersections of culture and cuisine.

Explore My Work

Curious about what I’ve been up to? Dive into the stories, flavors, and passions that shape my journey:

  • GiGi's – My Vietnamese-inspired wine bar in San Francisco, where tradition meets innovation.

  • Bloodline – An Emmy-nominated PBS documentary sharing the rich cultural history and personal journey behind my food.

  • The Memory of Taste – My cookbook, co-authored with Soleil Ho, celebrates Vietnamese heritage and food's power to tell stories.

  • Food Journeys – From TEDx talks to culinary panels, I share stories that explore culture, community, and the connections we create through cuisine.