Welcome to Love With Recipes! Today, weβre bringing you a delightful, traditional Asian dish that is bound to impress with its rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This dish is called Kong Bak (Dark Soya Sauced Pork), and it is a true culinary treasure. Perfectly paired with little white steamed buns, this dish is an absolute showstopper. The process is a labor of love, involving a slow, methodical preparation that allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Kong Bak (Dark Soya Sauced Pork)
Description: This sumptuous pork dish is traditionally prepared over a charcoal fire and left to mellow in the fridge for a few days, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop. The time and effort put into this recipe are well worth the delicious results.
Ingredients
- Garlic – 1 bulb, minced
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Five-spice powder – 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Salt – 2 teaspoons
- Dark soya sauce – 1 cup
- Black vinegar – 2 tablespoons
Nutritional Information (per dish)
- Calories: 5283.9 kcal
- Fat: 530.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 193.3 g
- Cholesterol: 720 mg
- Sodium: 4458.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.6 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 20.5 g
- Protein: 95.8 g
Instructions
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Preparation and Initial Cooking:
- Step 1: π§ Wash the pork thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 10 minutes to remove impurities. This step is essential to achieve that clean and tender meat.
- Step 2: π§Ό Rub the blanched pork with dark soya sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated for that rich, dark color and deep flavor.
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Frying the Pork:
- Step 3: π³ Deep fry the pork over moderate heat until it turns brown and the skin becomes crispy. This step infuses the meat with a delightful texture and a slightly smoky flavor.
- Step 4: πͺ Slice the fried pork into 1/2-inch thick pieces. You can adjust the thickness according to your preference, but maintaining uniformity ensures even cooking.
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Marinating and Cooking:
- Step 5: π§ In a large bowl, mix the sliced pork with minced garlic, brown sugar, five-spice powder, salt, dark soya sauce, and black vinegar. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
- Step 6: π₯£ Place the pork slices in the bowl with the skin facing downwards. Add warm/hot water until it reaches about 1/2 inch below the top of the pork slices. This ensures the meat remains juicy while absorbing the marinade flavors.
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Steaming:
- Step 7: πΈ Steam the pork for 20 minutes until it is cooked through and tender but not falling apart. This steaming process helps to lock in the moisture and meld the flavors.
- Step 8: π After steaming, remove the pork from the heat and allow it to cool. Leave it in the fridge overnight. This resting period is crucial as it lets the flavors penetrate deeply into the meat and enhances the overall taste.
- Step 9: π² Before serving, scoop out any excess fat that has solidified on the surface. Re-steam the pork to heat it through.
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Serving:
- Step 10: β¬οΈ Turn the pork upside down and serve it with a flourish, just like you would serve a pineapple upside-down cake. The beautiful presentation adds to the dish’s allure.
- Step 11: πΏ Garnish with fresh Chinese parsley and crisp lettuce leaves to add a touch of freshness and color.
- Step 12: π Serve with soft, pillowy steamed buns. These buns are perfect for soaking up the delectable sauce and making every bite an unforgettable experience.
Cook Time and Preparation Time
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time (blanching and frying) | 1 hour |
| Marinating Time | 36 hours |
| Steaming and Resting Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 36 hours 30 minutes |
Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality pork you can find. The dish’s flavor heavily depends on the quality of the meat.
- Five-Spice Powder: Ensure your five-spice powder is fresh for the most vibrant flavor. Itβs a key component in achieving the authentic taste.
- Patience: This dish requires time to develop its flavors. Donβt rush the marinating process as it’s crucial for the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Kong Bak is traditionally served with steamed buns, which can be found in Asian grocery stores or made at home if you’re feeling adventurous. The buns’ softness complements the rich and savory pork perfectly. A side of Chinese parsley and lettuce adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the tender, flavorful meat.
This dish is ideal for special occasions or family gatherings, where the effort and time put into its preparation can be fully appreciated. The rich flavors, tender texture, and beautiful presentation make Kong Bak a truly memorable culinary experience.
Enjoy this authentic and delicious Kong Bak with your loved ones, and savor the complex flavors and satisfying textures that this dish offers. Happy cooking! π₯³π½οΈ
