Tianjin-style Shredded Pork with Bing Cherries

Ingredients

In this Tianjin-style adaptation, we incorporate the flavors and techniques of Tianjin cuisine to transform the original Australian dish. The addition of Bing cherries brings a touch of sweetness and tartness, which is characteristic of Tianjin cuisine. The cooking technique involves stir-frying the shredded pork, a common method used in Tianjin cuisine to enhance the flavors and retain the tenderness of the meat. We alse have the original recipe for Mt Gnomon Shredded Pork and Dover Cherries, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly shredded 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly shredded
• 200g (7 oz) Bing cherries, pitted and halved 200g (7 oz) Bing cherries, pitted and halved
• 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 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
• 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, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the shredded pork to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and cornstarch mixture.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce over the pork in the wok and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork.
6. 6.
   Add the Bing cherries to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute until heated through.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin — For the best results, choose lean pork loin and slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Bing cherries — Select ripe and firm cherries for a burst of sweetness. Make sure to pit and halve them before adding to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a spicy kick, you can include a small amount of Sichuan peppercorns or chili flakes while stir-frying the pork.
• If Bing cherries are not available, you can substitute them with other sweet and tart cherries.
• Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce according to your preference by adding more or less sugar and rice vinegar.
• For an extra touch of freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the dish before serving.

Serving advice

Tianjin-style Shredded Pork with Bing Cherries is best served hot as a main course. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Present this dish by arranging the shredded pork and Bing cherries on a serving platter, with the vibrant sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro for an appealing visual contrast. Serve alongside a bowl of steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.