16 Chinese Pork Brine Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Pork is a staple meat in Chinese cuisine, and there are countless ways to prepare it. However, one of the most popular and flavorful methods is through brining. Brining involves soaking the pork in a saltwater solution, which helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist during the cooking process. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Chinese pork brine recipe that will elevate your next pork dish to new levels of deliciousness.
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, then you'll love this homemade version of sweet and sour pork. Tender chunks of pork are coated in a tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, ketchup, and vinegar. The addition of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks gives this dish a burst of flavor and color. Serve over steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Egg rolls are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. These crispy, golden-brown rolls are filled with a savory mixture of pork, cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. The secret to making authentic Chinese egg rolls is to use bean sprouts and water chestnuts for added texture. Serve with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and a great way to use up leftover rice. This recipe calls for cooked rice, diced ham, peas, and scrambled eggs sautéed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Customize it by adding your favorite meat or vegetables for a complete meal.
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Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Chow Mein, Pork, Shrimp, Garlic Cloves, Shredded
Chow mein is a classic Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat. This recipe calls for chicken, carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy tossed in a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Top it off with crispy noodles for added texture and enjoy!
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Pork fried rice is a classic dish that is a staple in Chinese takeout menus. This homemade version is easy to make and packed with flavor. It consists of rice, diced pork, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs stir-fried in a garlic and soy sauce mixture. Serve it as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Chinese dishes.
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Chinese Shredded Pork with Peppers
Main Ingredients: Pork, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Peppers, Salt, Soy Sauce
This dish is a delicious and easy way to add some vegetables to your meal. Strips of tender pork loin are stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a soy sauce and hoisin sauce mixture. The result is a flavorful and colorful dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Also known as char siu, Chinese BBQ pork is a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine. This recipe calls for pork loin marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. The meat is then roasted until tender and caramelized for a sweet and savory treat. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
This comforting soup is a staple in Chinese households. Made with daikon radish, pork ribs, and dried shrimp, this soup is full of flavor and nutrients. The daikon radish adds a unique texture and flavor to the broth, making it a great addition to any meal. Simmer the soup for a few hours for the most flavorful results.
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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chicken, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Wine, Caster
This dish is a must-try for pork lovers. The pork belly is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. It is then roasted until tender and sticky. Serve with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Cabbage Potstickers
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Chinese Cabbage, Salt, Oil
Potstickers, also known as gyoza, are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of cabbage, pork, and garlic. They are then pan-fried until crispy on the bottom and steamed to perfection. Serve with soy sauce or vinegar for dipping.
Pork balls are a versatile dish that can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or as part of a hot pot meal. This recipe calls for a mixture of ground pork, garlic, and ginger shaped into balls and cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, chicken broth, and Chinese five-spice powder. Serve with noodles or rice for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Chinese Red Cooked Bear
Main Ingredients: Pork, Peanut Oil, Sugar, Chinese Cooking Wine, Ginger
Red cooking is a popular Chinese cooking technique that involves braising meat in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices until tender and flavorful. This recipe uses bear meat for a unique and delicious dish. Serve with rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Eggplant is a staple in Chinese cuisine and this spicy version is a must-try. This recipe calls for eggplant, ground pork, and a spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and garlic. The result is a flavorful and spicy dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Rice cake soup, also known as tteokguk, is a traditional dish served during the Lunar New Year in China. This hearty soup is made with rice cakes, beef, and vegetables in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce and beef broth. It is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for cold winter days.
This classic Chinese soup is a favorite among many. It is made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and pork in a spicy and tangy broth made with black vinegar and chili paste. The addition of wood ear mushrooms gives this soup a unique texture and flavor. Serve as a starter or as a main dish with rice.
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Pork and Chinese Cabbage Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Fresh Ginger Root, Napa Cabbage, Stock, Peanut
This hearty soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day. Made with pork, Chinese cabbage, and vermicelli noodles in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce and chicken broth, this soup is both nutritious and delicious. Simmer for an hour for the best results.
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Chinese Lightly Fried Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Dumplings, Oil, Water
These lightly fried dumplings are a healthier version of the popular Chinese dish. The dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and garlic and lightly fried until crispy on the bottom. Serve with a side of soy sauce and vinegar for dipping.
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Easy Chinese Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Pasta, Cornflour, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Chinese
This easy and comforting soup is a great way to use up leftover noodles. This recipe calls for chicken broth, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Top it off with sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
Stir fry is a quick and easy way to get a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. This recipe calls for chicken, vegetables, and a variety of sauces for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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Chinese-Style Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Ribs, Chinese 5 Spice, Chilli Powder, Honey, Dark
The Importance of Brining
Before we dive into the recipe, let's first understand why brining is an essential step in Chinese cooking. Pork can easily dry out when cooked, resulting in tough and chewy meat. By brining the pork, you are essentially adding moisture and flavor to the meat, making it more tender and tasty. The salt in the brine also helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.
The Recipe
Now, let's get to the main event - the Chinese pork brine recipe. Here's what you'll need:
1 cup of soy sauce
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of rice vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 tsp of five-spice powder
1 tsp of black peppercorns
2 cups of water
2 lbs of pork (any cut you prefer)
Step 1: In a pot, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and black peppercorns. Bring it to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2: Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 3: In a large container or ziplock bag, place the pork and pour the cooled brine over it. Make sure the pork is completely submerged in the brine.
Step 4: Cover the container or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.
Brining Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when brining pork:
Use a container or bag that is large enough to hold the pork and brine comfortably.
Make sure the pork is completely submerged in the brine to ensure even flavor distribution.
For a stronger flavor, you can add more ingredients such as star anise, cinnamon, or chili flakes to the brine.
Do not brine the pork for too long, as it can result in an overly salty taste.
In Conclusion
Brining is a simple but effective technique that can take your pork dishes to the next level. With this traditional Chinese pork brine recipe, you'll have a tender and flavorful pork dish that will impress your family and friends. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!
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