Super Pot Chinese Pork: Tender, Juicy, Delicious

how to cook chinese pork in a super pot

Chinese pork is a delicious dish that can be made in a super pot or instant pot. The pressure cooker adaptation of the iconic Chinese pork BBQ dish is popular in Chinese restaurants and can be made at home with relative ease. The dish is versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or tacos. The pork is typically marinated overnight or for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender outcome. The super pot's ability to pressure cook the meat efficiently enhances the flavor and texture, making it a convenient and tasty option for food enthusiasts.

Characteristics Values
Dish Name Instant Pot Char Siu, Chinese Braised Pork Belly, Chinese Pork Tenderloin, Asian-Style Instant Pot Pulled Pork, Instant Pot Crispy Pork Belly
Type of Dish Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Main Ingredient Pork
Cut of Pork Pork Belly, Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, Pork Tenderloin
Other Ingredients Hoisin Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey, Spices, Beef Broth, Chinese Five Spice, Cornstarch, Water
Cooking Method Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot, Air Fryer
Cooking Time Varies, typically around 25-30 minutes
Serving Suggestions Rice, Noodles, Salads, Sandwiches, Tacos, Vegetables

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How to make a marinade for Chinese pork

To make a marinade for Chinese pork, you'll need a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  • Start by gathering your ingredients. For a classic Chinese pork marinade, you'll need light and dark soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, turbinado sugar, freshly ground black or white pepper, garlic, and cornstarch. You can also add Chinese five-spice powder, ginger, and rice wine vinegar for extra flavour.
  • Prepare the pork by slicing it into strips or cubes. If you're using pork chops, you can score the meat with a knife to create slits about half an inch deep. This will help the marinade absorb more quickly and evenly.
  • In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, pepper, garlic, and cornstarch. Stir well to mix the ingredients and dissolve the sugar. If using, add the Chinese five-spice powder and other spices to taste, as this ingredient can be quite strong.
  • Place the pork in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are coated. You can do this in a baking dish or a large freezer bag. If using a bag, squeeze out the air before sealing.
  • Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For deeper flavour penetration, marinate overnight or for up to 24 hours, turning the bag or meat over halfway through.
  • Once marinated, remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.

Your Chinese pork is now ready to be cooked! You can stir-fry it, grill it, or try pressure cooking it in a super pot for a tender and juicy Chinese pork dish. Don't forget to serve it with your favourite sides, like rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy!

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The best cuts of pork for a super pot

When it comes to choosing the best cut of pork for your super pot, there are a few options to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the best cuts for creating delicious Chinese pork dishes in a super pot:

Pork Belly

Pork belly is a popular choice for Chinese dishes like Hong Shao Rou and Siu Yuk. It is known for its juicy, tender, and flavorful meat with a good amount of fat that keeps the meat moist while cooking. Pork belly is usually scored with diagonal cuts to allow the flavours of the sauce to penetrate the meat. This cut is perfect for creating crispy pork belly with crunchy crackling, a classic dish for Chinese New Year and other special occasions.

Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is another excellent option for the super pot, especially for dishes like Char Siu. It is a fattier cut of meat that cooks well under pressure. Pork shoulder is often cut into long strips or pieces, allowing the flavours of the marinade to penetrate the pork effectively. Boneless country-style ribs are also an option, as they are strips of meat from the pork shoulder that come in a convenient size.

Pork Butt

Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is a cut from the upper part of the pig's shoulder. It is marbled with fat, which helps keep the meat moist and tender, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pork butt is a relatively budget-friendly option and is commonly used to make Char Siu in Hong Kong.

Other Cuts

While pork belly, shoulder, and butt are the most commonly recommended cuts for Chinese pork dishes in a super pot, other cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin can also be used. However, these leaner cuts may not provide the same tender results as the fattier alternatives.

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How to prepare the pork for cooking

Preparing the pork is a crucial step in cooking Chinese pork in a super pot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the pork:

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork:

Start by selecting the right cut of pork for your dish. Pork belly, pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork tenderloin are commonly used for Chinese pork dishes. Each cut has different fat content and cooking properties, so choose according to your preference and the specific recipe you are following.

Slicing the Pork:

Before marinating, it is recommended to slice the pork into long strips or medallions/discs. Slicing the pork helps the flavours penetrate the meat more effectively during the marination process. The size and shape of the slices may vary depending on the recipe and your preference.

Scoring the Pork:

If you are using pork belly, it is essential to score the meat before cooking. Use a sharp knife to make light cuts about 2mm deep into the meat. Cut diagonal lines across the meat side of the pork belly, and then create a crisscross pattern by cutting lines in the opposite direction. Scoring helps the flavours penetrate deeper into the meat and also promotes even cooking.

Marinating the Pork:

Marinating the pork is a key step in infusing it with flavour. Place the sliced pork into a Ziploc bag or a gallon freezer bag. Prepare your marinade by mixing ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, spices, beef broth, or Chinese five spice. Pour the marinade into the bag, ensuring the pork is well-coated. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Refrigerate the marinated pork for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavour penetration.

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

After marinating, remove the pork from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the pork by sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides. If your recipe involves searing or frying, you may need to add oil to the super pot and heat it before placing the pork inside.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the pork for cooking in your super pot, ensuring that it absorbs flavours and cooks evenly.

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Cooking times and temperatures for Chinese pork

Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a delicious Cantonese roast meat. It is traditionally made with pork belly but can also be made with pork shoulder or pork butt.

When cooking Char Siu in an oven, preheat your oven to 475 F and roast the pork for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 375 F (190 C) and roast for another 15 minutes. Flip the pork and, if the bottom of the pan is dry, add a cup of water. Turn the pan 180 degrees to ensure even roasting and roast for another 15 minutes. Check the char siu regularly and reduce the oven temperature if it looks like it is burning. After 40 minutes of roasting time, baste the pork and roast for a final 10 minutes. The pork should now be cooked through and caramelized on top. If it is not, you can turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp the outside.

The USDA recommends that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F with a 3-minute resting time. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork.

If you are cooking Char Siu in an Instant Pot, you can marinate the pork overnight or for 24 hours in a Ziploc bag with air squeezed out. Poke holes in the pork and pour in water to mix with the remaining marinade. Place the marinated pork in a steamer basket in the Instant Pot and season with kosher salt. Close the lid and cook at high pressure.

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What to serve with Chinese pork

Chinese pork can be served with a variety of dishes, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Chinese pork:

Rice or Noodles

One popular option is to serve Chinese pork with rice or noodles. This can include plain rice, brown rice, or fried rice with other ingredients such as vegetables or eggs. Noodle options include ramen, rice noodles, or sesame peanut noodles. Chinese pork is also used in dishes such as Singapore Noodles, Chinese Fried Rice, and Egg Fried Rice.

Steamed Greens

Steamed greens are often served as a side dish with Chinese pork. These greens can be cooked with sauces such as oyster sauce or soy sauce. Some specific vegetables that go well with Chinese pork include bok choy, carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and Chinese chives.

Dumplings

Pork dumplings are a classic Chinese dish and can be served as a side or a main course. They are typically filled with juicy pork and fresh Chinese chives.

Tacos

For a more fusion option, you can serve Chinese pork in tacos with an Asian twist. Use soft tortillas and add your choice of toppings, such as pickled vegetables, sauces, and greens.

Buns and Soups

Chinese pork can also be served in steamed buns or added to soups. Chinese steamed pork buns are typically big, fluffy white buns filled with BBQ pork. The pork can also be added to Chinese noodle soup or Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches.

Remember to consider the specific Chinese pork dish you are preparing and choose sides that will complement the flavours and textures of the main course. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

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Frequently asked questions

To cook Chinese pork in a super pot, you will need to use the pressure cooker function. First, marinate the pork by poking holes in the meat and leaving it in a mixture of sauces and spices for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Then, pressure cook the pork for 25 minutes to an hour, depending on the cut and quantity of the meat.

Pork belly, pork butt, pork shoulder, and pork tenderloin are all popular cuts of pork used in Chinese cooking.

Chinese pork can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

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