Northeastern Chinese-style Spicy Pork Sandwich

Ingredients

While the original German Mettbrötchen features raw minced pork, this Northeastern Chinese adaptation cooks the pork to ensure food safety. Additionally, the spices used in this recipe are characteristic of Northeastern Chinese cuisine, adding a distinct flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Mettbrötchen, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) minced pork 500g (1.1 lb) minced pork
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 soft buns 4 soft buns

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green onions. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the minced pork to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the Sichuan peppercorns, chili flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
4. 4.
   Pour the sauce over the cooked pork and stir well to coat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Toast the soft buns until lightly golden.
6. 6.
   Divide the spicy pork mixture evenly among the buns.
7. 7.
   Serve the Northeastern Chinese-style Spicy Pork Sandwiches immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Minced pork — Ensure that the minced pork is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) to ensure food safety.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pork mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes.
• Customize your sandwich by adding your favorite toppings such as pickled vegetables or fresh cilantro.
• If you can't find soft buns, you can use steamed buns or even regular burger buns as a substitute.
• Leftover spicy pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in stir-fries or noodle dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Northeastern Chinese-style Spicy Pork Sandwiches as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of steamed rice or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwiches with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve them on a wooden board or a vibrant plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.