Traditional Chinese Pork Chops Recipe

This delightful Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Chops recipe combines succulent pork with a sweet, tart, and smoky sauce, making it a perfect dish for your next dinner. It’s especially fitting for Chinese New Year, as pork symbolizes prosperity, and the red sauce color signifies celebration, well-being, and longevity. Chinese pork chops are a beloved item on many Chinese restaurant menus. The best part is that this recipe is incredibly easy to make, and we’ve provided a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure your success.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serving: 4 

INGREDIENTS:

• Chinese five spice: 1 teaspoon
• Water: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Black vinegar: 1.5 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Sweet bean sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Chili sauce: 2 teaspoons
• Plum sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Tomato ketchup: 2 tablespoons
• Shaoxing wine: 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
• Whole egg: 1
• Salt: To taste
• Pepper: To taste
• Pork chops: 2 pounds
• Toasted sesame seeds: For garnishing

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Take a large saucepan.
2. Add tomato ketchup, Shaoxing wine, plum sauce, sweet bean sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, caster sugar, black vinegar, five spice powder, and water into the pan.
3. Cook the sauce well with continuous stirring for about ten minutes.

Marinate the Pork:

1. Take a large bowl.
2. Add the pork chops, a pinch of salt, egg, and cornstarch into the bowl.
3. Mix the ingredients well until the pork is evenly coated.

Fry the Pork Chops:

1. In a large frying pan, add enough cooking oil to deep fry the pork chops.
2. Heat the oil to medium-high heat.
3. Carefully place the marinated pork chops into the hot oil.
4. Deep fry the chops until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork chops from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Combine Chops with Sauce:

1. Once the pork chops are cooked, add them into the prepared sauce mixture.
2. Gently toss and mix the chops to ensure the sauce coats them evenly.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Transfer the saucy pork chops to a serving platter.
2. Garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and aroma.
3. Your Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are now ready to be served.

TIPS:

• Make sure to use fresh, high-quality pork chops for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by altering the amount of chili sauce used.
• Don’t skip marinating the pork chops in the egg and cornstarch mixture; it adds a delicious crispy coating.
• Be cautious while frying the pork chops to prevent oil splatters. Use a splatter screen if available.
• Serve your Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork Chops hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy this mouthwatering dish that beautifully blends tradition, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds!