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Rather than ordering salt and pepper pork chop bites from your local Chinese takeout, why not make them at home? This recipe is gluten-free and packed with bold, authentic Asian flavors. The dish combines Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and chilies to create an unforgettable flavor profile. With crispy, chewy pork bites coated in a rich sauce, this 30-minute meal is perfect with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite Asian sides.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 pork chops (thick-cut, in 1-inch pieces)
2 Tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 Teaspoon sesame oil
½ Teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 jalapeños (seeded and diced)
6 cloves garlic
1 Teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
¼ Cup + 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 red chili peppers (thinly sliced)
2 green chili peppers (thinly sliced)

Directions

Marinate the Pork: Combine pork pieces with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and salt. Toss to coat and marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Grind garlic, jalapeños, and Szechuan peppercorns into a paste using a mortar and pestle. Toss sliced chili peppers and garlic with cornstarch and vegetable oil. Fry for 1 minute over medium heat, then drain on paper towels.
Fry the Pork: Combine rice flour, cornstarch, and white pepper. Toss pork in the mixture, then fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Finish the Dish: Remove excess oil, leaving just enough to coat the pan. Add garlic and jalapeño paste, cooking for 30 seconds. Add fried pork and peppers to the pan, toss with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Nutrients

Calories: 224 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 795mg
Potassium: 400mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 105 IU
Vitamin C: 13mg
Calcium: 20mg
Iron: 1mg

The Essence of Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Salt and pepper pork chop bites are a perfect example of the balance between contrasting flavors that make Asian cuisine so compelling. The dish’s core flavors come from a combination of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and chilies, all of which create a unique taste that is both bold and aromatic. The saltiness of the soy sauce complements the earthiness of sesame oil, while the garlic and chilies bring heat and depth to the dish. The result is a mouthwatering pork dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bathed in a flavorful sauce. Whether paired with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite Asian sides, this dish is sure to impress.

Why Make This Dish at Home?

While ordering from a restaurant is certainly convenient, preparing this dish at home has several benefits. First and foremost, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring that you are using high-quality products that suit your tastes. For example, if you prefer a milder level of heat, you can adjust the amount of chilies or skip the spicy ingredients altogether. Additionally, by cooking at home, you can make the dish as healthy as you like, such as opting for gluten-free soy sauce and using less oil if desired.

Another advantage is the ability to adjust the recipe to suit your personal preferences. While traditional recipes may be hard to replicate perfectly every time, cooking at home allows for adjustments to the seasoning, heat levels, and texture. You can experiment with different ingredients and spices to create a dish that is tailored specifically to your liking.

Moreover, homemade meals often taste fresher than takeout, as you’re preparing them right in your own kitchen with fresh ingredients. The aroma that fills your home while frying the pork and sautéing the garlic and chilies is an experience that simply can’t be replicated with takeout.

The Key Ingredients

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of ingredients that come together to create that unforgettable flavor profile. At the heart of the dish are the pork chops, which are marinated in a mixture of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese rice wine that adds a distinct depth of flavor, while the soy sauce brings umami and saltiness to the dish. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, and the cornstarch helps tenderize the pork, ensuring that it becomes crispy when fried.

Jalapeños and Szechuan peppercorns provide a mild heat and a subtle numbing sensation, both of which are characteristic of Szechuan cuisine. The addition of red and green chili peppers adds color, texture, and an extra layer of spice. Together, these ingredients combine to create a flavor-packed sauce that coats the crispy pork and elevates the dish to new heights.

The Cooking Process

The process of making salt and pepper pork chop bites is simple but requires a bit of attention to detail. The first step is to marinate the pork, allowing it to absorb all the flavors of the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This helps the pork become more flavorful and tender, while the cornstarch gives it the ability to achieve a crispy exterior when fried.

Once the pork is marinated, it is tossed in a mixture of rice flour, cornstarch, and white pepper before being fried in hot oil. The frying process is crucial for achieving that crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender pork inside. The pork should be fried until golden brown on both sides, ensuring that the coating is crisp and the meat remains juicy.

After frying, the pork bites are combined with a flavorful paste made from garlic, jalapeños, and Szechuan peppercorns. This paste is sautéed in the pan, releasing all its fragrant aromas before the crispy pork bites are added. The final touch is tossing the pork with sliced chili peppers and seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Salt and pepper pork chop bites are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. The dish is often enjoyed with steamed white rice, which serves as the perfect base for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a more substantial meal, you can serve the pork with noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of Asian-style greens like bok choy or spinach. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Additionally, the dish pairs well with other Asian-inspired sides such as dumplings, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to the meal, consider serving it alongside a tangy and sweet dipping sauce made from vinegar and sugar.

Nutritional Benefits

One of the highlights of this recipe is that it is not only flavorful but also nutritious. Each serving of salt and pepper pork chop bites provides a good source of protein, with 20 grams per serving. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal that can keep you energized throughout the day. Additionally, the pork provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

The dish is also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. The use of cornstarch and rice flour instead of wheat flour makes this dish accessible for individuals who need to avoid gluten. The relatively low sugar content is another bonus for those who are mindful of their sugar intake.

While the dish does contain oil and fat, much of the fat comes from the healthy monounsaturated fat found in sesame oil. This gives the dish a rich, nutty flavor while providing some heart-healthy benefits. With careful control of the oil used for frying, you can keep the dish on the lighter side while still enjoying its crispy, satisfying texture.

Conclusion

Making salt and pepper pork chop bites at home is a rewarding experience that brings the bold, savory flavors of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. This gluten-free recipe is packed with authentic flavors, from the fragrant Shaoxing wine to the numbing Szechuan peppercorns. With a simple yet effective cooking process, you can create a dish that is crispy, tender, and full of heat. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves flavorful, bold meals. By preparing it yourself, you can control the ingredients and customize the dish to your taste, all while enjoying a healthier, fresher alternative to takeout.