Braised Pork Slices

Braised Pork Slices is a flavorful and delicious dish that features tender pork slices cooked in a savory sauce and then coated with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This recipe combines the richness of pork with a paste made from rice, sugar, yeast, soy sauce, and warm water, which serves as the base for the sauce. The pork slices are first stir-fried and then simmered in the sauce until tender and flavorful. Afterward, they are coated in an egg mixture and breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to achieve a crispy and golden exterior. The result is a combination of succulent pork, a savory sauce, and a crispy crust that will delight your taste buds. This recipe serves four people and is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to enjoy a unique and tasty pork dish.

INGREDIENTS

For the paste:

• 2 tablespoons cooked long-grain rice
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried baker’s yeast
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons warm water

For the pork:

• 700g/1 1/2lb boned pork steaks
• 3 tablespoons groundnut oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons medium sherry
• 175ml/6fl oz chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornflour, mixed with 25ml/1fl oz water to form a paste

For deep-frying:

• 900ml/1 1/2pt vegetable oil
• 2 egg yolks, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
• 150g/5oz fresh breadcrumbs

PREPARATIONS

1. To make the paste, use a mortar and pestle to pulverize the cooked long-grain rice. Combine the pulverized rice with granulated sugar, dried baker’s yeast, light soy sauce, and warm water. Leave the mixture to stand in a warm place for 30 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Slice the pork steaks across the grain into strips.
3. Heat the groundnut oil in a wok until it begins to smoke. Add the pork strips and stir-fry until they lose their pinkness. Repeat in batches until all the pork is browned.
4. Add the minced garlic to the wok and stir briefly.
5. Pour in the prepared paste, white wine vinegar, medium sherry, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add all the pork slices.
6. Reduce the heat, add the cornflour paste, and stir well. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the pork slices to a large platter, reserving the sauce in the wok, and leave the pork to cool.
8. Heat the vegetable oil in a clean wok.
9. Dip each pork piece in the beaten egg yolk mixture, then coat thoroughly in fresh breadcrumbs.
10. When the oil is hot, slip in a slice of pork as a test. It should lightly brown in about 1 minute.
11. Deep-fry the pork slices in batches for 1 1/2-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
12. Reheat the reserved sauce and pour it over the fried pork slices.
13. Serve the Braised Pork Slices immediately.

YIELD

• Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Take caution when deep-frying the pork slices to ensure they cook evenly and do not burn.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried pork slices from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

TIPS

• Serve the Braised Pork Slices with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded pork slices in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C/400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

In conclusion, Braised Pork Slices is a flavorful and crispy dish that features tender pork slices cooked in a savory sauce and then coated with a crispy breadcrumb crust. The paste made from rice, sugar, yeast, soy sauce, and warm water forms the base for the sauce, which infuses the pork slices with rich and savory flavors. The pork slices are first stir-fried until browned and then simmered in the sauce until tender and flavorful.

To achieve a crispy and golden crust, the pork slices are coated in an egg mixture and fresh breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to perfection. The result is a combination of succulent pork, a savory sauce, and a crispy crust that creates a delightful taste and texture experience.

Serve the Braised Pork Slices immediately, accompanied by steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish will impress your guests and make any occasion special.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to indulge in a delicious pork dish, Braised Pork Slices are sure to please. The crispy exterior, tender pork, and flavorful sauce make this dish a standout choice.

In summary, Braised Pork Slices are a mouthwatering and crispy dish that features tender pork slices coated in a savory sauce and a crispy breadcrumb crust. Try this recipe and enjoy the combination of flavors, textures, and delightful aroma in every bite.