Tianjin, a bustling port city in northern China, is known for its rich culinary history and diverse flavors. Among the many dishes that define its gastronomy, sweet and sour pork tenderloin stands out as a delectable favorite. This dish combines succulent, tender pieces of pork with a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce, making it a musttry for anyone venturing into the realm of Tianjin cuisine. In this article, we will delve into the cooking methods of this quintessential dish, presented in plain and simple terms to encourage even novice chefs to try their hand at creating this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
To prepare sweet and sour pork tenderloin, you’ll need the following ingredients:
400g pork tenderloin
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup allpurpose flour
1 egg
1/2 cup water
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/4 cup vinegar (preferably rice vinegar)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1/2 onion (cut into chunks)
Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Method
1. Preparing the Pork:
Begin by slicing the pork tenderloin into bitesized pieces, about 1inch thick. This is crucial for ensuring the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
2. Coating the Pork:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. In another bowl, beat the egg and mix it with water to create a batter. Dip each piece of pork in the batter and then coat it with the flourcornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is wellcoated to achieve a crispy texture once fried.
3. Frying the Pork:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over mediumhigh heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated pork pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Making the Sauce:
In a separate pan, combine the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. This sweet and tangy mixture will bring your dish to life! Adjust the sweetness or sourness based on your personal preference.
5. Stirfrying Vegetables:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and toss in the bell pepper and onion. Stirfry until they are slightly tender, about 23 minutes.
6. Combining Everything:
Add the fried pork into the vegetable pan and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pork and vegetables are wellcoated with the sauce.
7. Serving:
Once wellmixed, transfer your sweet and sour pork tenderloin to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your dish with steamed rice or noodles, which will balance the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Sweet and sour pork tenderloin is a captivating dish representative of Tianjin cuisine that showcases the perfect harmony of flavors. With straightforward cooking methods, this dish is highly attainable for cooks of all skill levels. So gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure—bring the flavors of Tianjin into your kitchen today!