Authentic Filipino Crispy Pata Recipe | Crunchy on the Outside, Tender Inside | Ultimate Traditional Deep-Fried Pork Knuckle
Crispy Pata is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases the rich flavors of pork, perfectly deep-fried to golden crispness, with succulent and tender meat inside. This recipe brings you the authentic taste of Crispy Pata, prepared with aromatic spices and served with a tangy dipping sauce, just like the famous Crispy Pata served at Amber Restaurant. Whether you’re looking to recreate a family favorite at home or indulge in a delicious, crispy snack, this step-by-step guide will show you how to achieve crispy perfection every time.
Once prepared, it will be a delightful experience with my special dipping sauce recipe. You can also savor the meal with papaya atchara (the decision is yours). If you wish to recreate this at home, simply continue reading as I’m about to reveal the secret to my Crispy Pata recipe.
| Serving Size | Price |
| 3-4 persons | ₱ 790.00 |
Amber Crispy Pata – Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🧁 Dish Name | Crispy Pata (Filipino Deep-Fried Pork Knuckle) |
| 🍽️ Category | Filipino Main Dish |
| 🕒 Prep & Cook Time | ~5 hours (includes boiling, freezing, and deep-frying) |
| 🍬 Main Ingredients | Pork leg, garlic, onion, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaves, peppercorns, star anise |
| 🍴 Serving Suggestions | Serve with Soy Vinegar Dipping Sauce, atchara (pickled papaya) |
| 🔥 Calories per 100g | 270–300 kcal (depending on preparation) |
| ⚖️ Calories per Serving | ~1300–1500 kcal per 500-600g serving |
| 🥥 Unique Feature | Crispy skin, tender meat, paired with a homemade soy vinegar dipping sauce |
| ⚠️ Allergen Info | Contains soy, gluten (in soy sauce), garlic, onion |
| ✅ Gluten-Free? | Can be made gluten-free with coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce |
| 🍽️ Portion Size | Serves 3-4 persons (₱790) |
| 🧠 EEAT-Backed Tip | Freeze pork leg overnight to ensure crispy skin |
What is Crispy Pata?
Crispy Pata is a Filipino culinary gem, made from a pork leg (usually including the hock and trotter) that is simmered to tenderness, frozen to dry out the skin, then deep-fried to achieve that irresistible crunchy exterior. The dish is traditionally served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce and side dishes like atchara (pickled papaya), making it a flavorful and indulgent treat at family gatherings, special events, or casual meals.
Tender Meat :
To make sure the meat turns out tender, it’s all about the cooking process. We start by simmering the pork leg in a flavorful mix of spices like garlic, bay leaves, and onions until the meat is beautifully tender.
Cooling/Freezing the Leg :
After boiling, the next crucial step is freezing the meat. It is advisable to place the leg in the freezer for a period of no less than six to eight hours, or ideally overnight. This process aids in drying out the skin, thereby enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Sauces :
A Soy Vinegar Dipping Sauce for Crispy Pata is an essential component for creating a memorable culinary experience. The sauce is a vibrant blend of vinegar, soy sauce, crushed peppercorn, Siling labuyo, and red onion, meticulously crafted to elevate the flavor profile of every dish it graces.
Customization :
Don’t forget to complement this delicious dish with a refreshing beverage. My daughter has a strong preference for the vibrant flavor of orange juice paired with crispy pata, whereas I favor a tetra juice beverage for its refreshing taste. Feel free to explore other beverage options on the menu as well.
Why You’ll Love This Amber Crispy Pata Recipe
Since my family loves this dish, I experimented with different recipes at home until I was able to recreate the restaurant’s flavor. Here’s how I did it:
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 pork leg (1.6 to 1.9 kg)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 piece of ginger
- ⅓ cup of vinegar
- 7 to 8 cups of water
- 5 cups of cooking oil
- Lye water (optional but recommended)
Spices :
- Salt (to taste)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon of peppercorns
- 1-2 star anise (optional)
Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed peppercorns
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small hot chopped chili pepper
How to Cook Crispy Pata (Step-by-Step) :
- To prepare the pork leg, start by adding ginger, garlic, and onion to a large bowl with a smile. Gently place the pork leg in the bowl and pour in 6 to 7 cups of water.
- To elevate your dish, start by adding a generous pinch of salt along with a handful of peppercorns, a couple of star anise, and a few bay leaves to your pot of water. Don’t forget to splash in a dash of vinegar for that extra tang!
- Once everything is in, cover the bowl and let the leg simmer away for about an hour. Just picture it, the meat and skin slowly becoming tender and succulent, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. What a delicious journey awaits.
- Don’t forget to rotate the pork leg to ensure both sides tenderize evenly. Once you’ve soaked the pork leg, carefully lift it out of the bowl and place it on a clean rack to drain. Let it rest undisturbed for up to 30 minutes, allowing those flavors to settle in perfectly.
- For that irresistible crispy skin, take the extra step of brushing the pork leg with a few tablespoons of lye water. Then, pop it in the refrigerator overnight or at least for 5 hours. This little trick will ensure that each bite is delightfully crunchy!
- The next day, brush the skin with vinegar, rub rock salt on it, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Finally, remove the salt from the skin using a paper towel.
- Get a large bowl and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and add oil. Ensure that the oil is very hot, then gently place the leg into the bowl for deep-frying at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until all sides are golden brown.
- After cooking the Crispy Pata, transfer it to a serving plate without burning your hands. Enjoy it with a delicious Soy Vinegar Dipping Sauce for Crispy Pata. To enhance the flavor, mix vinegar, soy sauce, crushed peppercorn, red onion, and chili labuyo.
Amber Crispy Pata Calories per 100g
How Many Calories Are in 100 Grams of Crispy Pata?
On average, 100 grams of Crispy Pata contains approximately 270 to 300 calories, depending on how it’s prepared. This calorie density comes from a combination of the crispy pork skin, rendered fat, and succulent meat that make the dish so irresistible. Deep-frying the pork knuckle not only enhances its flavor but also concentrates its fat content, making portion control important for those mindful of their dietary intake. When enjoyed occasionally and paired with fresh sides like atchara (pickled papaya) or a simple vinegar dip, Crispy Pata can fit into a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing its traditional, festive charm.
Amber Crispy Pata Under 100 Calories
Can You Enjoy Crispy Pata for Under 100 Calories?
Traditionally, Crispy Pata is a rich, indulgent dish known for its golden, crackling skin and tender meat, making it naturally high in calories. However, if you’re watching your intake, it’s still possible to enjoy a small taste without overindulging. By trimming excess fat before cooking and carefully portioning a few bites of the leanest meat (preferably without too much skin), you can savor the flavor within a 100-calorie limit. Additionally, choosing air-frying or oven-baking methods instead of deep-frying can significantly lower the fat content while preserving much of the signature crispiness. It’s all about mindful eating—balancing a flavorful treat with overall nutritional goals.
Amber Crispy Pata Allergen Information
Crispy Pata is a traditional Filipino dish consisting of deep-fried pork knuckles, renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat. It is commonly accompanied by a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. While Crispy Pata is primarily a meat dish, it is important to note that it may contain various allergens based on its preparation method. Here are some common Allergens in Crispy Pata :
Soy: The traditional Soy Vinegar Dipping Sauce for Crispy Pata often includes soy sauce, which contains both soy and gluten.
Gluten: If regular soy sauce is used in the recipe, it could result in gluten content due to its wheat ingredients.
Garlic and Onion: These ingredients are frequently used in marination and seasoning, which may cause sensitivities for some individuals.
Seafood: Some recipes may enhance flavor by including fish sauce in the marinade, posing a risk for those with seafood allergies.
Tips for Individuals Sensitive to Allergens
Use Gluten-Free Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: These alternatives can provide a gluten-free option.
Request No Fish Sauce in the Marinade: If you have a seafood allergy, ensure to ask for this modification.
Opt for a Vinegar-Based Dipping Sauce Without Soy Sauce: This choice can serve as a soy-free dipping option.
By being aware of the ingredients and potential allergens, individuals can enjoy Crispy Pata while managing their dietary restrictions.
Amber Crispy Pata Calories and Nutrition Facts
I understand the importance of being aware of the caloric content of a dish for our well-being. That’s why I’ve included a nutrition table based on thorough research. Enjoy your meal!
| (1 serving, approximately) | 500 to 600 g |
| Calories | 1300-1500 cal |
| Proteins | 50-60 g |
| Fats | 110-130 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1-3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 1000-1200 mg |
FAQ’s
Final Words
This Authentic Filipino Crispy Pata Recipe will bring the rich flavors and crispy delight of the Filipino classic to your kitchen. With simple steps, quality ingredients, and a little patience, you can recreate this mouthwatering dish at home. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving a savory treat, this Crispy Pata recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce and sides for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy your Crispy Pata with family and friends, and share the joy of this delicious Filipino dish!
