Chinese Sweet And Sour Pork (Print Version)

Crispy pork pieces coated in a tangy sweet-sour sauce with perfectly balanced flavors that outshine any restaurant version.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 500 g pork scotch cut into 1 cm thick pieces
02 - 2 tablespoon Chinese dark vinegar
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon five spice powder
06 - 2 tablespoon rice wine
07 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
08 - 2 tablespoon flour
09 - 1 liter oil for deep frying

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Mix pork pieces, Chinese dark vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, five spice powder, and rice wine in a container. Marinate overnight in the fridge.
02 - Combine cornstarch and flour in a bowl. Drain out half of the marinade sauce if you prefer a crispier coating.
03 - Heat oil in a large saucepan or small pot. Test the oil temperature by dipping in a piece of pork; it should immediately start sizzling. Deep-fry the pork pieces until they achieve a deep golden brown color.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Pork scotch is recommended for its moisture retention during frying due to its fat content. For a leaner option, use pork tenderloin.
02 - Choose quality soy sauce for better flavor, such as Leekumkee soy sauce.
03 - Chinese dark vinegar can vary in flavor and intensity. ZhenJiang vinegar is recommended but can be substituted with balsamic vinegar.
04 - Five spice powder has a strong flavor, so adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
05 - Ensure the batter is not too watery by draining excess marinade sauce before mixing with cornstarch and flour.
06 - A 2:1 ratio of cornstarch to flour in the batter provides a balanced level of coating. Adjust the amount of flour for a crunchier texture.
07 - For a silky texture in stir-fried dishes, replace flour with cornstarch or sweet potato powder.
08 - Stir-fry with tomatoes and baby leeks for an enhanced flavor profile.
09 - The marinade sauce should follow a 2:1:1 ratio of vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for a balanced flavor.