Eating Taiwanese-Style: Delicious Sweet and Sour Ground Pork
If you’re a fan of Taiwanese cuisine, you’ve likely come across ground pork. A delectable medley of sweet, savory and sour flavors, ground pork is a classic dish that spans many different types of Taiwanese cooking. Today, ground pork is a staple in many Taiwanese restaurants around the world and is a popular summer dish for many families.
History of Ground Pork
Ground pork is believed to have originated in the Shaoxing region of China during the mid-17th century. In the following centuries, it spread and became popular in areas such as Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia. Of these countries, Taiwan has kept their own distinct recipe which often involves soy sauce, and other condiments.
Traditional Taiwanese Ground Pork Recipe
The beauty of ground pork lies in the fact that it is both simple and versatile. Many cultures cook the ground pork differently, but Taiwanese ground pork often includes a sweet and sour flavor that stands out.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Pound Ground Pork
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/4 Onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Peanuts, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and ground pork, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often to break apart.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, white pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of water.
- Continue cooking until the meat is lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the peanuts, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve with hot, steamed rice.
Tips and Tricks
When making Taiwanese ground pork, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients. Be sure to buy ground pork that is fresh and free from any additives or fillers.
Some cooks like to add a tablespoon of ginger for additional flavor. To reduce the amount of fat, ground pork can also be cooked in a non-stick skillet without oil or butter.
Ground pork also lends itself well to variations. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, such as adding mushrooms, celery, or carrots. Also, some chefs like to add a teaspoon of chili pepper at the very end of cooking for a spicy kick.
Serve It Up
Taiwanese ground pork is an easy dish to make that combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Serve it with hot steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It also makes a great appetizer served with a side of broccoli or a tangy green salad.
Ground pork is a classic Taiwanese dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking to impress guests or just need a quick and easy dinner, ground pork is sure to please. Give this traditional recipe a try tonight, and enjoy a delicious taste of Taiwan.
