Cukarini with a Puerto Rican Chinese Twist

Ingredients

In this Puerto Rican Chinese adaptation of Cukarini, we incorporate Puerto Rican and Chinese flavors to create a unique fusion dish. The original Albanian Cukarini typically features lamb or beef, but we substitute it with marinated pork for a more succulent and tender result. Additionally, we introduce a blend of Puerto Rican and Chinese spices, such as soy sauce and hoisin sauce, to infuse the dish with a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Cukarini, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 12g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the pork to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Add the marinated pork to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
6. 6.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain their crunch.
7. 7.
   Return the cooked pork to the skillet and toss with the vegetables until well combined.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork — For the best results, choose a tender cut of pork such as pork tenderloin or pork loin. Trim any excess fat before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder on hand, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add some sliced red chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
• Serve the Puerto Rican Chinese Cukarini over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences. Bok choy, snow peas, or mushrooms would also work well in this dish.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the skillet during the final minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Chinese Cukarini hot as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the colorful bell peppers and onions on top of the cooked pork, creating an appealing visual contrast. Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the dish for an extra touch of elegance.