Chinese-style Pork Chop Bun

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick) 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 4 soft burger buns 4 soft burger buns
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml) 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (60g) 1/2 cup cornstarch (60g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Pickled vegetables or tangy sauce, for serving Pickled vegetables or tangy sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the pork chops are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Remove the pork chops from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated pork chops into the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   While the pork chops are frying, slice the burger buns in half and lightly toast them.
8. 8.
   To assemble the Pork Chop Bun, place a cooked pork chop on the bottom half of each bun. Add pickled vegetables or a dollop of tangy sauce if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.
9. 9.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork chops — Choose boneless pork chops with a good amount of marbling for juiciness. Pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.
• 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 Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the pork chops in the flour mixture before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Serve the Pork Chop Bun with a side of sweet potato fries for a delicious twist.
• If you're short on time, you can use pre-marinated pork chops from your local Asian grocery store.
• Experiment with different types of buns, such as brioche or sesame seed buns, for added flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Pork Chop Bun as a main dish alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of hot soup. It can also be enjoyed as a handheld snack or a satisfying lunch on the go.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Pork Chop Bun with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic plate for a visually appealing touch.