Chinatown Red-Cooked Pork Treasures
Chinatown Red-Cooked Pork Treasures features tender pork cubes coated in a rich, savory glaze of soy, hoisin, and five-spice, delivering bold flavors with hints of sesame and ginger. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, it appeals to lovers of Asian-inspired cuisine seeking a flavorful, aromatic experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1-gallon self-sealing plastic bag, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove pork cubes from marinade, discarding the marinade.
- Pat pork dry with paper towels.
- Place pork cubes in a single layer, not touching, in a shallow baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until pork is just tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter or chafing dish.
- Serve hot as an appetizer.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the pork overnight. You can substitute the pork loin with chicken thighs or tofu for a different protein option. If Five Spice powder is unavailable, a mix of cinnamon, star anise, and black pepper can be used as a substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, especially if you enjoy dishes like Sweet And Sour Pork Spareribs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Red-Cooked Pork as a hot appetizer or main dish. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or a fresh cucumber salad. Consider serving it alongside other Chinese recipes for a complete meal, such as Poor Man'S Chop Suey or Sweet-Sour Pork for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinatown Red-Cooked Pork Treasures contains roughly 41 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary; shoulder may take longer to become tender.
What can I do if I don't have hoisin sauce?
If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can create a substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of peanut butter and honey. This will replicate the sweet and savory flavor profile of the original sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper or chili paste to the marinade if you enjoy a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).