5 Delicious Pork Loin Recipes: Chinese Style

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors, cooking techniques, and rich history. Today, we're diving into some of the most delicious pork loin recipes inspired by Chinese culinary traditions. These recipes are not only flavorful but also offer a variety of cooking methods that can elevate your home cooking game. From the sweet and tangy to the rich and savory, here are five Chinese-style pork loin dishes that you can try at home.

Recipe 1: Honey Garlic Pork Loin

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork loin
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix the garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
3. Place the pork loin in a dish and coat it generously with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
4. Transfer the pork loin to a roasting pan and pour any remaining marinade over it.
5. Roast the pork for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (158°F).
6. Rest the pork for 10 minutes before slicing.

⛔ Note: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Recipe 2: Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork loin
• ¹⁄₄ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• Red food coloring (optional for color)

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients except the pork in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Score the pork and place it in the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Marinate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
4. Place the pork on a roasting rack over a pan to catch drippings. Reserve the marinade for basting.
5. Roast for 25 minutes, basting with the marinade every 10 minutes.
6. Finish by broiling for 5 minutes to caramelize the surface.

Recipe 3: Braised Pork Loin with Soy Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork loin, cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Ginger and scallions for aromatics

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and sear the pork until browned on all sides.
2. Add the aromatics (ginger and scallions) and cook briefly until fragrant.
3. Pour in the soy sauces, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, and wine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours or until the pork is tender.
5. Serve over rice or with vegetables.

Recipe 4: Spicy Sichuan Pork Loin

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork loin, sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 3 tablespoons chili bean paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken stock

Preparation:

1. In a wok, toast the Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, then grind them.
2. Heat oil, add garlic, then pork slices, and stir-fry until browned.
3. Add chili bean paste, soy sauce, sugar, and the ground peppercorns. Stir well.
4. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions.

Recipe 5: Lemon and Five-Spice Pork Loin

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork loin
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Mix lemon zest, juice, honey, five-spice, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Marinate the pork for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
4. Roast the pork for about 1 hour, basting with the marinade occasionally.

In conclusion, these five Chinese-style pork loin recipes showcase the versatility and depth of Chinese culinary art. Whether you're into the sweet glaze of Honey Garlic Pork or the spicy kick of Sichuan flavors, there's something for every palate. Each recipe not only brings a different taste but also a unique method of cooking, from braising to roasting, allowing you to explore various aspects of Chinese cooking at home. Enjoy your culinary journey into the heart of Chinese cuisine!

What’s the best way to tenderize pork loin?

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Marinating the pork loin with acids like lemon juice or vinegar, or using a tenderizing tool like a meat mallet, can help soften the meat.

Can these recipes be adjusted for grilling?

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Yes, most of these recipes can be adapted for grilling. Marinate the pork and use indirect heat to cook it to the desired temperature.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for these recipes?

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While pork is central to these recipes, you can experiment with tofu or tempeh, marinating them similarly for a vegetarian twist.

What sides go well with these pork dishes?

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Common sides include steamed or fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, bok choy, or simple noodles to complement the flavors of the pork.

How can I achieve the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine?

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Using key ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin, Sichuan peppercorns, and shaoxing wine, along with proper marinating and cooking techniques, will help capture the essence of Chinese flavors.