Go Back
+ servings
Tokwat baboy in a bowl.
Print

Tokwa’t Baboy Recipe (Fried Tofu and Pork)

Crispy tofu, fried pork belly, and a tangy soy-vinegar sauce with aromatics.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 480kcal
Author Nora Rey
Cost $12-$14

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling the pork)
  • Deep pan or pot (for frying)

Ingredients

For the pork

  • pounds pork belly
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass smashed (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (use half for table salt)
  • Ground pepper to taste
  • Water to cover
  • Oil for frying

For the tofu

  • 2 blocks firm tofu
  • ¼ cup cornstarch, potato starch, or flour
  • Oil for frying

For the sauce

  • ½ cup vinegar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • Ground pepper to taste

For serving

  • 1 small red onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Chili peppers to taste
  • Scallions chopped
  • Cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • In a pot, combine the pork belly, garlic, bay leaves, lemongrass, fish sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover, then bring to a boil.
  • Lower the heat and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let the pork cool, then pat dry well before frying.
  • Cut the tofu into large pieces, pat dry, and lightly coat with cornstarch.
  • Fry the tofu until golden and crisp. Drain, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Fry the pork until golden and crispy. Drain, then slice into thin bite-sized pieces.
  • In a bowl, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, water, sugar, and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pork, tofu, red onion, garlic, chilies, scallions, and cilantro. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to combine.
  • Serve your tokwa’t baboy with rice, lugaw, or as pulutan.

Notes

  • Pork: Traditional versions use pork ear and a fatty cut like pork belly or shoulder. This version uses lechon kawali-style pork belly. Tenderloin works for a leaner option, but the texture will be different.
  • Tofu: Use firm tofu so it holds its shape when fried. It gets crisp outside and stays soft inside.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1151mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg