Pork tenderloin is a versatile and accessible ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes. From grilled pork to stews, cabbage rolls, and stir-fries, the options are endless. One unique and mouthwatering dish you can try is Sweet and Sour Pork.
1. Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Pork
– Pork tenderloin: 500 grams
– Egg: 1
– Potato starch: 1 tablespoon
– White sesame seeds
– Ginger
– Seasonings: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon cooking wine, 2 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons tomato sauce, ½ tablespoon vinegar, salt to taste
2. How to Make Sweet and Sour Pork
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
– Rinse the pork tenderloin and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes of approximately 1.5 cm. Using a meat mallet or the back of a spoon, gently pound the meat to tenderize and allow better absorption of flavors.
– Peel and finely chop the ginger.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
– In a bowl, combine the pork with a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and the chopped ginger.
– Crack an egg into the bowl, and mix well with chopsticks. Let the meat marinate for about 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat for Frying
– After marinating, add 1 tablespoon of potato starch to the bowl and mix until the meat is evenly coated and slightly sticky.
– If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a small amount of water. The potato starch will create a crispy coating when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Pork
– Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. When the oil is about 70% hot, carefully add the marinated pork and fry for approximately 3 minutes. Remove the pork from the oil and set it aside.
– Reheat the oil, and fry the pork for a second time, this time for only 1 minute, until it turns golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
– In a clean bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of tomato sauce, ½ tablespoon of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of water.
– Mix well, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Toss the Pork in the Sauce
– Add a small amount of oil to the pan, and heat the sweet and sour sauce over low heat until it starts to bubble.
– Toss the fried pork in the sauce, stirring continuously to ensure even coating.
– When the sauce thickens, remove from the heat and sprinkle with white sesame seeds before serving.
The final dish will have an appealing color and a mouthwatering aroma. The pork will be tender on the inside with a crispy exterior, and the sweet and sour sauce adds a unique flavor.
3. Notes when Making Sweet and Sour Pork
– To check if the oil is hot enough for frying, dip a chopstick into the oil. If bubbles form around the chopstick, the oil is ready.
– During frying, stir the pork continuously to prevent it from sticking together. If any starch falls into the oil, remove it with a spoon to avoid burning.
– Sweet and Sour Pork can be served as a tasty snack with drinks or as a main course with steamed rice.