Cooking Chinese style boneless pork strips can be a delightful culinary experience, blending tender meat with savory flavors. This dish is often served as part of a larger meal or as a standalone appetizer. Below, we’ll break down the steps to create a delicious and authentic Chinese-style boneless pork strip recipe.
Preparation
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) of boneless pork strips (preferably pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips (optional, for color and crunch)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Prepare the Marinade
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing wine, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Place the pork strips in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all the strips are well-coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Marinating for longer, up to 2 hours, will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat even more.
Prepare the Sauce
Instructions:
- In another small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Add 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to the sauce mixture and stir well.
- Set aside the sauce until needed.
Prepare the Pork for Cooking
Instructions:
- Remove the pork strips from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add the pork strips and toss to coat evenly. This will help the pork strips form a crispy exterior when fried.
Cook the Pork Strips
Instructions:
- Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the pork strips, spreading them out in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the pork strips for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pork strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Garlic and Ginger
Instructions:
- In the same wok or frying pan, pour out most of the oil, leaving just a tablespoon or two.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Sauce and Pork Strips
Instructions:
- Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the garlic and ginger. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly. If the sauce is not thickening enough, add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir well until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the fried pork strips back into the wok, tossing gently to coat them with the sauce. If you are using red bell pepper strips, add them now as well.
Finish and Serve
Instructions:
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the pork strips are heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pork strips to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
Tips and Variations
Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the pork strips for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating for longer will enhance the flavor.
Adjust Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the marinade or sauce.
Vegetable Addition: Besides red bell peppers, you can add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for added color, texture, and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the pork strips with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice for a complete meal. They also pair well with noodles or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Conclusion
Cooking Chinese style boneless pork strips is a rewarding culinary endeavor that combines tender meat with rich, savory flavors. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a delicious and authentic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. From marinating the pork to frying it to perfection and finishing with a flavorful sauce, each step contributes to the final taste and texture. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to whip up this dish with confidence, making it a go-to for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure and happy cooking!
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