Crispy Pork Belly with Kale

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Mar 25th 2025 Updated: Aug 1st 2025

Crispy Pork Belly with Kale (Pad Kana Moo Krob)

A Quick and Satisfying Thai Stir Fry Recipe

Craving a savory stir fry that’s both simple and packed with bold flavor?

This Kale & Crispy Pork Belly Stir Fry is a must-try!

Known in Thai as Pad Kana Moo Krob, this dish brings together juicy crispy pork belly with Chinese kale, stir-fried in a savory garlic and oyster sauce base.

Served hot with jasmine rice, it’s comfort food done right—Thai-style!

Whether you call it crispy pork belly with kale, stir-fried kale with crispy pork, or even swap the greens for broccoli or bok choy, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

This Crispy Pork Belly with Kale recipe is perfect for busy days—ready in just 15 minutes!

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a tasty, flavorful meal in no time.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy stir-fry will impress anyone at your dinner table.

Pad Kana Moo Krob (Crispy Pork Belly with Kale) is a super tasty Thai stir-fry that pairs crispy, golden pork belly with fresh Chinese kale.

The pork belly gets nice and crunchy, while the kale adds a fresh bite.

It’s all tossed together in a savory mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and garlic, giving it that delicious umami flavor we all love.

Serve it over some fluffy jasmine rice, and for an extra treat, top it off with a fried egg! This dish is sure to hit the spot.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious stir-fry:

• Kale: Fresh, vibrant greens that add crunch and balance to the richness of the pork belly. If you can’t find Chinese kale, substitute with regular kale, broccoli, or cauliflower.
• Crispy Pork Belly: Adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor. You can use homemade air-fried pork belly or store-bought.
• Red Chill : Adds heat and a hint of spice. Feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level!
• Garlic: Provides a fragrant, aromatic base for the stir-fry.
• Oyster Sauce: Gives the dish its signature savory and slightly sweet flavor.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds a mild salty kick without overpowering the dish.
• Fermented Soybean Paste (optional): Deepens the umami flavor with a touch of saltiness.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best.
• Water: Helps cook the kale and creates a light sauce that coats everything perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Pork Belly with Kale Recipe 🩷

• Easy to Make: Comes together in less than 20 minutes!
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of crispy pork belly, fresh kale, and savory sauce is irresistible.
• Customizable: Swap the kale with broccoli or cauliflower, or try it with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch!
• Can be made keto or low-carb by skipping the rice

How to Cook Crispy Pork Belly with Kale

1. Wash the Chinese kale and drain. Cut into pieces and set aside.
2. Crush the garlic and slice the chili.
3. Heat oil in a pan, then sauté garlic and chili until fragrant. Add the kale and a pinch of salt, cover for 30-60 seconds to let the kale soften and turn bright green.
4. Add the crispy pork belly, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fermented soybean paste.
5. Stir everything together, then turn off the heat and serve.

What to Serve With

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Thai Yum Woon Sen (Glass Noodle Salad) or Pork Satay

🥩 Main Course: Grilled Chicken with Thai Herbs

🍛 Side Dish: Fried Egg or Shrimp Omelet (Kai Jeow Kung)

🍰 Dessert: Thai Mango Sticky Rice or Thai Sago Pudding

👉 I’ve got you covered on how to make crispy pork belly—it’s super easy with an air fryer!

And if you’d like to try this recipe with other proteins, it works just as well. 😊

No Chinese Kale? No Problem!

If you can’t find Chinese kale (gai lan), you can easily swap it with other greens like regular kale, broccoli, or even cauliflower.

Each option adds its own unique texture and flavor, making this dish just as delicious! 🥦🥬

Let me know how it turns out! Have fun cooking! 💕