Tomato Cantonese Pork Recipe
Overview
This delightful Tomato Cantonese Pork dish is a cherished family recipe that evokes memories of my childhood, where my mother would frequently prepare it. The preparation process is simple, and the resulting sauce is both vibrant and flavorful, offering a unique tang that distinguishes it from traditional sweet and sour sauces. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially when paired with fluffy rice that can soak up the generous sauce. Any leftover pork can be sliced for sandwiches the next day, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Description | A tangy and flavorful pork dish, excellent served with rice. |
| Category | Pork |
| Servings | 4-6 servings (approximately) |
| Rating | 5/5 (Based on 2 reviews) |
| Keywords | Meat, Canadian, Oven, Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 693.1 |
| Total Fat | 31.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 75.7 mg |
| Sodium | 2265.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 76.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugars | 42.8 g |
| Protein | 32.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4-6 | Center-cut pork chops |
| 1/2 cup | Milk |
| 1/4 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 1/4 cup | Onion, finely sliced |
| 1 cup | Tomato sauce |
| 1/4 cup | Tomato puree |
| 1 can (14.5 oz) | Diced tomatoes |
| 1 cup | Ketchup |
| 1/4 cup | Brown sugar |
| 1/4 cup | Cornstarch |
| 1 cup | Water |
| To taste | Salt |
| To taste | Pepper |
| For frying | Oil |
Instructions
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Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, mixing well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
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Coat the Pork Chops: Dip each center-cut pork chop into the milk, allowing any excess to drip off, before transferring it to the flour mixture. Ensure that each chop is thoroughly coated in the breadcrumb-flour mixture for a delightful crunch.
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Fry the Chops: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated pork chops into the skillet, frying until they are golden brown on both sides. Adjust the amount of oil as needed to prevent the chops from developing white spots from the flour. Once browned, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside to drain on a paper towel.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, using the oil and drippings left from frying the chops, add the finely sliced onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and begins to caramelize, infusing the oil with flavor.
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Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, ketchup, brown sugar, and any additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more ketchup, HP sauce, or brown sugar to achieve your desired balance of flavors.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour a thin layer of the sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish to ensure that the pork chops do not stick to the bottom.
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Layer the Pork Chops: Arrange half of the browned pork chops in the casserole dish, covering them with a portion of the prepared sauce. Add the remaining chops on top and pour the remaining sauce over everything, ensuring that all the chops are well covered.
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Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the flavors have fully melded. The baking process helps to tenderize the pork while allowing the sauce to infuse every bite with flavor.
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Store Leftovers: After serving, if you have any sauce left over, allow it to cool completely. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and freeze for future use. You can also opt to halve the sauce recipe if you prefer less sauce.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the Tomato Cantonese Pork over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the leftovers sliced on a sandwich with a bit of extra sauce for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
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Selecting Pork Chops: Choose center-cut pork chops for a balance of tenderness and flavor. Bone-in chops can also enhance the dish, as the bone adds additional flavor to the sauce.
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Adjusting the Sauce: The sauce can be adjusted to your preference. For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
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Vegetable Additions: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots into the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
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Serving Size: This recipe is versatile, making it easy to scale up or down depending on the number of servings needed.
Conclusion
This Tomato Cantonese Pork recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings together family flavors and modern convenience, ideal for busy weeknights. With its tangy sauce and succulent pork, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or repurposing leftovers for lunch, this recipe is bound to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this delightful dish, and let the memories unfold as you create new ones with your family!
