For those searching for a simple oriental dish yet tasty and simple to cook, I think this saucy fried pork tenderloin is for you. The only hindrance is I think, where will you get the Chinese rice wine or shaoxing wine. You an substitute it with any cooking rice wine or sherry. White wine can also be a good substitute if you have it in your kitchen.
A Flavorful Oriental Delight
Fried Pork Tenderloin is a delectable dish that perfectly balances simplicity with rich, savory flavors. Originating from Oriental cuisine, this dish offers a delightful blend of tender pork slices coated in a flavorful sauce. While the recipe traditionally calls for Chinese rice wine or shaoxing wine, you can easily substitute it with other cooking wines or even white wine for a similar taste. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of preparing this delightful dish.
The Origins of Fried Pork Tenderloin
This dish has its roots in traditional Oriental cooking, where tenderizing meat and infusing it with rich flavors are culinary arts that have been perfected over generations. The dish embodies the essence of Oriental cuisine, which often emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and simple yet effective cooking techniques.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Marinating the Pork: To ensure the pork is flavorful and tender, marinate it in a mixture of cooking oil, rice wine (or a suitable substitute), and soy sauce. This step allows the meat to absorb the flavors, resulting in a more savory taste.
- Creating a Slurry: A slurry made of cornstarch, baking soda, and water is used to coat the pork slices before frying. This helps to seal in the juices and creates a crispy outer layer when fried.
- Adding Soda for Tenderness: For an extra tender texture, consider adding soda or 7-up to the marinade mixture. The carbonation helps to break down the fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender bite.
The Flavorful Sauce
- Mixing the Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients, including soy sauce, sugar, and water, to create a rich and savory sauce that complements the fried pork tenderloin perfectly.
- Cooking the Sauce: After frying the pork slices, pour the sauce mixture into the pan and let it boil for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously saucy coating for the pork.
Serving Suggestions
Fried tenderloin is best served hot, straight from the pan. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
It is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of Oriental cuisine. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of this pork dish for yourself?
Saucy Fried Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo pork tenderloin sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup soda or 7-up optional
For the marinade:
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine e.g. Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
For the sauce:
- 3 Tbsp. banana catsup
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- a dash of ground pepper
- 1 tsp. fish sauce or patis
Instructions
How to cook Saucy Fried Pork Tenderloin:
- Combine the cooking oil, rice wine, and soy sauce. Then add the sliced pork in the mixture. Mix well.
- Combine cornstarch, baking soda and water to make a slurry. Then mix with the marinade and pork.
- You can also add soda or 7-up to the mixture to make it extra tender. Let stand for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
- After marinating the pork tenderloin slices, fry then and cook halfway.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-fried pork tenderloin.
- Let boil for a few minutes then serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor Marinate the pork slices in a mixture of cooking oil, rice wine, and soy sauce for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. You can also add soda or 7-up to the marinade for an extra tender texture. 2. Fry to Golden Perfection When frying the marinated pork slices, cook them halfway first. This ensures that the pork is cooked evenly and prevents it from becoming too tough. Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan filled with enough oil to fully submerge the pork slices. 3. Perfect the Sauce To make the sauce, mix all the sauce ingredients well and pour it over the pre-fried pork tenderloin. Let it boil for a few minutes to thicken and coat the pork slices evenly. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference before serving.
