Crispy Chinese Pork Tempura Balls
Savor the delightful crunch of these Crispy Chinese Pork Tempura Balls, a delectable snack or appetizer that's sure to impress. Made from succulent pork marinated in a flavorful batter, these golden bites are deep-fried for an irresistible crunchy texture. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is; they make a perfect addition to any meal or party platter. Easy to prepare, these pork balls are bound to become a family favorite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork
1 cup (cubed)
Self-raising flour
1 cup (for batter)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (for batter)
Water
as needed (for batter)
Salt
1 pinch (for seasoning)
All-purpose flour
for dusting (for coating)
Oil
for frying (sufficient amount for deep frying)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water while whisking until the mixture reaches a smooth, double cream consistency. Avoid making it too runny.
2
Cube the pork into pieces about 1 inch in size. Lightly dust each piece in all-purpose flour to prevent sticking, then dip each piece into the prepared batter, ensuring an even coating.
3
Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a deep pan, wok, or deep fryer. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying; it should be around 350°F (175°C). Adjust the heat as necessary, and never leave the oil unattended.
4
Carefully add the coated pork pieces to the hot oil in small batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown, which should take around 4-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to turn the pork balls during cooking for even browning.
5
Once cooked, remove the pork tempura balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, or let them cool completely before freezing for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Chinese Pork Tempura Balls?
They are a delicious snack or appetizer made from succulent pork cubes marinated in a light, flavorful batter and deep-fried until golden and crunchy.
What cut of pork should I use for this recipe?
Any tender cut like pork loin or pork shoulder works well, as long as it is cubed into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
You can use plain flour, but you will need to add extra baking powder to ensure the batter remains light and airy.
Why is baking powder added to the batter?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the batter puff up and create a crispy, light texture when fried.
How do I know if the batter consistency is correct?
The batter should have a 'double cream' consistency, meaning it is thick enough to coat the pork evenly without being too watery or too thick.
Why should I dust the pork in all-purpose flour first?
Dusting the pork in flour helps the batter adhere to the meat and prevents it from sliding off during the frying process.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to approximately 350°F (175°C) to ensure the pork balls fry quickly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.
How long do the pork balls take to cook?
They typically take between 4 to 6 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden brown color and cook through.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
While deep frying provides the best texture for this wet batter, you can try air frying at 400°F, though the results may differ from traditional tempura.
Can I substitute pork with another protein?
Yes, this recipe works excellently with cubed chicken breast or even shrimp.
What dipping sauces go well with these pork balls?
Popular choices include sweet and sour sauce, hoisin sauce, spicy chili oil, or a simple soy and ginger dip.
How do I prevent the pork balls from sticking together in the oil?
Fry in small batches and ensure the pan is not overcrowded so the pieces have space to move freely.
Can I freeze Crispy Chinese Pork Tempura Balls?
Yes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen and reheated later.
How do I reheat the pork balls to keep them crispy?
Reheat them in a hot oven or an air fryer to maintain their crunch; using a microwave is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses wheat-based flours. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free flour blend.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of oil is best for deep frying?
Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I add spices to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of five-spice powder to the batter for extra flavor.
What size should the pork cubes be?
Cubes should be approximately 1 inch in size to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the batter browns.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It is best to prepare the batter right before frying to ensure the baking powder provides the maximum lift and crunch.
What should I do if the batter is too runny?
If the batter is too thin, gradually whisk in a small amount of extra self-raising flour until the desired thickness is reached.
What should I do if the batter is too thick?
Slowly add a teaspoon of water at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
Are these pork balls suitable for a party platter?
Yes, they make an excellent finger food or appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Why use a slotted spoon while cooking?
A slotted spoon allows you to flip the balls easily for even browning and to drain away excess oil when removing them.
How do I avoid greasy pork balls?
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the pork and drain them on kitchen paper immediately after frying.
Can I use this batter for vegetables?
Yes, this tempura batter is versatile and works well with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
Can I use sparkling water in the batter?
Yes, using ice-cold sparkling water can make the batter even lighter and more effervescent.
Should I season the pork directly?
While there is salt in the batter, you can lightly salt the pork cubes before dusting them in flour for more intense flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group; just fry in more batches.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features savory, succulent pork contrasted with a light, crispy, and slightly salty golden batter.