Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beijing-Style Garlic Glazed Pork?
It is a savory and slightly spicy dish featuring pork loin marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then deep-fried until golden and served with a special dipping sauce.
How long should I marinate the pork for the best flavor?
The pork should be marinated for a minimum of 6 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.
What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of pork loin, trimmed and sliced into 1x1 inch strips.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it has a mild to moderate heat from the dry red pepper flakes in the marinade and the dried chili pepper flakes in the dipping sauce.
Why do I need to soak the pork in salt water first?
This is a traditional step used to cleanse the meat and enhance its purity before marinating and cooking.
How thick should the pork pieces be sliced?
The pork should be sliced into pieces about 1/4-inch thick.
What ingredients are used in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, dry red pepper flakes, and eggs.
What type of oil is best for frying the pork?
Soy oil or a combination of soy and peanut oil is recommended for frying.
How do I cook the pork?
Heat 2 inches of oil in a wok or deep fry pan and fry the pork in batches until golden brown and crispy.
What are the ingredients for the dipping sauce?
The sauce includes water, cornstarch, brown sugar, minced garlic, vinegar, fish sauce (optional), and dried chili pepper flakes.
Can I substitute the fish sauce in the dipping sauce?
Yes, the fish sauce is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How much garlic is needed for the entire recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of minced garlic for the marinade and an additional 1 tablespoon for the dipping sauce.
What should I serve with Beijing-Style Garlic Glazed Pork?
It pairs perfectly with fried rice and Chinese Garlic Broccoli.
How much sodium is in a serving?
There is approximately 200mg of sodium per serving.
What kind of vinegar should I use for the sauce?
White vinegar is the recommended choice for the dipping sauce.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
Two eggs are mixed into the marinade to help coat the pork.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the dipping sauce its signature consistency.
Should the marinating container be made of a specific material?
It is recommended to use a non-metallic container for marinating the pork.
How do I prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be fresh and grated before adding it to the marinade.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 19 individual ingredients used in this recipe.
Are there any garnishes suggested for this dish?
The recipe includes grated carrot and sesame seeds which can be used as garnish.
How do I handle the pork after frying to keep it crispy?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
How much brown sugar is in the dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce requires 5 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Is there fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data indicates there is no significant fiber content in this recipe.
What heat level should I use for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat for frying the pork.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar is specified for its depth of flavor, white sugar could work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How long do I soak the pork in salt water?
The pork should sit in the cool salt water for about 15 minutes.
How do I know when the dipping sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready once it has reached a boil and has thickened to your desired consistency.