Northeastern Chinese-style Apple Pork

Ingredients

In this Northeastern Chinese adaptation, the original Danish Æbleflæsk is transformed into a stir-fry dish. The traditional Danish recipe, which typically involves frying pork belly and serving it with apple slices, is modified to incorporate the stir-frying technique commonly used in Northeastern Chinese cuisine. Additionally, the flavors are enhanced with the addition of Chinese spices and seasonings, giving the dish a distinct Northeastern Chinese flair. We alse have the original recipe for Æbleflæsk, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced
• 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, and white pepper. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. 3.
   Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced pork to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
5. 5.
   Push the pork to one side of the wok and add the sliced apples. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the apples are slightly softened.
6. 6.
   Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and apples. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
8. 8.
   Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin — For best results, slice the pork loin thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Apples — Choose crisp and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji for a refreshing flavor in the stir-fry.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra kick of heat, you can include a small amount of dried chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns while stir-frying the pork.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the finished dish before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and add it to the stir-fry during the last minute of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Northeastern Chinese-style Apple Pork hot with steamed rice or noodles. It can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger Chinese meal.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, arrange the stir-fried pork and apples on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually enticing.