How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, you can marinate the pork and prepare the sauce a day in advance.

What can I substitute for water spinach?

You can use baby spinach or kale for a similar texture.

How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade and caramel sauce.

Is there a non-pork alternative?

Chicken thighs or duck can be used as substitutes for pork.

Mandarin Caramel Pork with Crispy Water Spinach

Name: Mandarin Caramel Pork with Crispy Water Spinach
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 kg pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1 cup freshly squeezed mandarin juice; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 200 g water spinach, cut into 3-inch pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Oil for frying

A savory-sweet masterpiece with a crunchy twist

Indulge in this tantalizing Mandarin Caramel Pork dish, complemented by the crispness of perfectly fried water spinach, blending sweet, savory, and crisp flavors.

3 h 10 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pork

1 kg pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

For the Marinade

1 cup freshly squeezed mandarin juice

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

For the Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup water

2 tablespoons fish sauce

For the Crispy Water Spinach

200 g water spinach, cut into 3-inch pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

Oil for frying

Preparation

Marinating the Pork

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, combine pork belly, garlic, soy sauce, and white pepper.

Marinate Pork

Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Let the pork marinate longer for deeper flavor penetration.

Prepare Marinade

Combine mandarin juice, brown sugar, star anise, and cinnamon stick in a separate bowl.

Preparing the Caramel Sauce

Dissolve Sugar

In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

Caramelize

Allow to simmer without stirring until caramel forms.

Add Fish Sauce

Add fish sauce carefully, stir, and let it cool slightly.

Be cautious when adding fish sauce to caramel—it may splatter. Pro Tip: Use a wet brush to wash down sugar crystals on the pot's side.

Cooking Process

Sear Pork

Quickly sear the marinated pork pieces until golden brown on all sides.

Heat: Medium-High

Simmer Pork

Transfer the seared pork to the marinade and simmer for 2 hours until tender.

Heat: Low; Timing: 2 hours

Fry Spinach

Dredge water spinach in flour and fry until crisp.

Heat: High; Timing: 10 min

Plating & Serving