Beijing-style Spicy Pork Sandwich

Ingredients

The Beijing-style Spicy Pork Sandwich differs from the original Cudighi Sandwich in several ways. Firstly, the marination of the pork incorporates Chinese five-spice powder, ginger, and garlic, giving it a distinct Beijing flavor profile. Secondly, the sandwich is served on a fluffy steamed bao bun instead of a traditional bread roll. Lastly, the addition of pickled vegetables and spicy chili sauce adds a unique tang and heat that is characteristic of Beijing cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Cudighi Sandwich, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 4 bao buns 4 bao buns
• Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish, cucumber) Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish, cucumber)
• Spicy chili sauce Spicy chili sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork to the marinade and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated pork until browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Steam the bao buns according to the package instructions.
5. 5.
   Assemble the sandwiches by placing a generous amount of the cooked pork on each bao bun.
6. 6.
   Top with pickled vegetables and drizzle with spicy chili sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder as it will become tender and juicy when cooked.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the pork overnight in the refrigerator.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of spicy chili sauce or use a milder variety.
• Experiment with different pickled vegetables such as kimchi or pickled cabbage for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Beijing-style Spicy Pork Sandwich as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwiches with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. Serve them on a platter lined with banana leaves for an authentic touch.