Introduction
Crispy Pork Bites are a delightful treat that balances savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. These tender morsels of pork tenderloin are coated in cornflour and fried to perfection, then tossed in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Served over rice and garnished with fresh herbs and lime, this dish embodies the essence of Thai street food, offering a taste experience that is both exciting and comforting.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Crispy Pork Bites:
– 600 g / 1.2 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 2cm/0.8″ cubes
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 1/2 tbsp + 1/2 cup cornflour / cornstarch
– > 1 cup neutral flavored oil, 0.5cm / 0.2″ depth (canola, sunflower, vegetable, peanut oil – not olive oil)
Sweet Chilli Sauce:
– 1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce
– 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
Garnish and Serving:
– Coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly torn by hand, optional
– Lime wedges, optional
– Jasmine rice, or other rice of choice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Coat the Pork
Toss the pork tenderloin cubes with fish sauce until well coated. Then, sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornflour, ensuring the coating is slightly sticky.
Prepare the Crispy Coating
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cornflour over the pork. Using your fingers, toss the pork pieces to coat each cube evenly, separating any pieces that are stuck together. Squeeze each piece lightly to help the cornflour adhere better. Transfer the coated pork to a colander and give it a shake to remove any excess cornflour; this step is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
Heat the Oil
In a non-stick pan or large pot, heat 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) of neutral flavored oil over high heat. To check if the oil is ready, dip a piece of pork in; it should sizzle immediately.
Cook the Pork
Carefully place half of the pork cubes into the hot oil. Cook undisturbed for 1 minute, allowing them to become golden. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcook, as pork tenderloin is lean and can dry out.
Drain the Pork
Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pork and transfer it to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining pork. Sample a piece to test for crispiness, if desired.
Prepare the Sauce
After removing the pork, carefully pour out all the oil from the pan (you can strain and reuse it, as it will be quite clean). Return the pan to medium heat, then add the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, and finely grated garlic. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Combine Pork and Sauce
Add the drained pork to the sauce in the pan. Toss the pork quickly to coat each piece evenly in the sauce.
Serve the Dish
Immediately serve the crispy pork bites over a bed of jasmine rice or your rice of choice. Garnish with roughly torn coriander or cilantro leaves and lime wedges, if desired. For a refreshing accompaniment, classic Thai street-food style includes serving with plain tomato and cucumber wedges without dressing.
Notes
Note 1
Ensure the pork tenderloin is cut into 2 cm (0.8 inch) cubes for even cooking.
Note 2
Fish sauce adds a distinctive umami flavor; use it according to your preference.
Note 3
Sweet chili sauce can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
Note 4
Removing excess cornflour is crucial for achieving a light and crispy texture.
Cook techniques
Tossing Pork with Fish Sauce
To enhance the flavor, coat the pork cubes evenly with fish sauce before adding the cornflour.
Crispy Coating
After the fish sauce, sprinkle cornflour on the pork and ensure each piece is well-coated by tossing with your hands. Squeeze each piece lightly to help the cornflour adhere.
Preheating Oil
Heat the oil in a non-stick pan or large pot until it reaches high heat. A piece of pork should sizzle immediately when dipped into the oil.
Cooking Method
Cook the pork in batches for 3 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even golden color and crisp texture. Avoid overcooking to keep the tenderloin tender.
Draining Excess Oil
Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil, ensuring a crispy texture.
Thickening Sauce
Combine sauce ingredients in the pan after pouring out excess oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, coating the pork effectively.
Quick Tossing
Quickly toss the cooked pork in the thickened sauce to ensure each piece is evenly coated before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork tenderloin?
Yes, you can substitute with chicken or beef, but cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat.
Is it necessary to use fish sauce?
Fish sauce adds a unique umami flavor, but you can substitute it with soy sauce for a different taste profile.
Can I make this recipe without frying the pork?
You can bake or air-fry the pork, but the texture may be different from the traditional deep-fried version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.
What can I serve with crispy pork bites?
These can be served over jasmine rice, alongside fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato, and garnished with coriander, lime wedges, or other garnishes of your choice.
Conclusion
The Crispy Pork Bites, with their succulent tenderloin and crunchy cornflour coating, paired with the flavorful sweet chilli sauce, make for an irresistible dish. When served over jasmine rice and garnished with fresh coriander and lime, they provide a delightful balance of textures and flavors that perfectly embody the essence of Thai street food.
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