Authentic Chinese-Style Sweet and Savory Pork Loin
Indulge in a succulent Chinese-style glazed pork loin that combines sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice. This recipe transforms juicy pork loin into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Marinated in a luscious mixture of soy sauce, apricot or peach jam, fresh ginger, and garlic, this pork acquires a delightful glaze while remaining tender and juicy. You can also use pork tenderloin for a leaner option. Serve with fragrant fried rice and steamed broccoli to create a complete meal that will impress your guests and satisfy the whole family. Prep time includes marinating for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 4 hours, making it a flexible choice for any schedule.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork loin
3 lbs (sliced into 4 slabs, 1/2 inch thick)
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (use as is)
Apricot or peach jam
1/2 cup (use as is)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
Five-spice powder
1/2-1 teaspoon (use as is)
Rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (use as is)
Sherry wine
2 tablespoons (use as is)
Hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons (use as is)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (use as is)
Sesame oil
1-2 teaspoons (use as is)
Ketchup
2 tablespoons (optional) (use as is)
Liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon (optional) (use as is)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the pork loin into 4 slabs, approximately 1/2 inch thick, and place them in a large zip-top bag.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, apricot or peach jam, grated ginger, chopped garlic, five-spice powder, rice wine vinegar, sherry wine, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ketchup (if using), and liquid smoke (if using). Mix well.
3
Pour half of the marinade into the zip bag with the pork. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and massage the meat to ensure it's well-coated. Allow the pork to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
4
While the pork is marinating, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.
5
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
6
Remove the marinated pork from the zip bag, allowing extra marinade to drip off. Sear the pork for about 5 minutes on each side, brushing generously with the thickened glaze throughout the cooking process.
7
For a more pronounced smoky flavor, add the liquid smoke to the glaze when cooking on the stove top.
8
Continue to turn the pork and brush with the glaze until the meat is thoroughly cooked and no pink remains, adjusting the cooking time based on thickness. This usually takes just a few minutes since the slabs are relatively thin.
9
Once done, remove the pork from heat and let it rest briefly. Slice and serve with fried rice and steamed broccoli, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
22g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish is an Authentic Chinese-Style Sweet and Savory Pork Loin.
What type of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of pork loin, though pork tenderloin can be used as a leaner alternative.
How should the pork loin be prepared before marinating?
The pork loin should be sliced into 4 slabs, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What are the primary flavors in the marinade?
The marinade features a blend of soy sauce, apricot or peach jam, fresh ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder.
Which types of jam are recommended for the glaze?
You can use either apricot or peach jam to provide the sweet base for the glaze.
How long should the pork marinate?
For maximum flavor, the pork should marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by slicing the pork loin into 1/2 inch thick slabs and placing them in a large zip-top bag.
What should be done with the marinade before cooking the meat?
Half of the marinade is used to coat the pork in the bag, and the other half is saved to be thickened into a glaze.
How do you make the glaze for the pork?
Heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
What is the recommended cooking method for the pork slabs?
The pork slabs should be seared on a preheated grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to cook the pork slabs on the grill?
It takes about 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until no pink remains.
What should I do while the pork is searing?
You should generously brush the pork with the thickened glaze throughout the cooking process.
Is there an optional ingredient to add a smoky flavor?
Yes, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the glaze if a more pronounced smoky flavor is desired.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
The recipe suggests serving the pork with fragrant fried rice and steamed broccoli.
How many calories are in a serving of this pork loin?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 18g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of this pork?
There are 8g of fat in a serving of this dish.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The dish contains 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar.
What gives the dish its authentic Chinese aroma?
The combination of five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, ginger, and sesame oil provides the authentic flavor profile.
Is ketchup used in this recipe?
Ketchup is listed as an optional ingredient, with 2 tablespoons suggested for the mixture.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh, grated ginger.
What type of wine is included in the marinade?
2 tablespoons of sherry wine are used to add depth to the marinade.
Should the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the pork from the heat and let it rest briefly before slicing and serving.
How much sesame oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 to 2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the marinade?
Brown sugar helps balance the savory flavors and assists in the caramelization of the glaze.
Can I use frozen ginger?
While fresh is specified, grated ginger is the key form needed for the marinade mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a mouthwatering dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What should be done with any remaining glaze?
Any remaining glaze should be drizzled over the top of the sliced pork before serving.