Mandarin Caramel Pork with Crispy Water Spinach
Indulge in this tantalizing Mandarin Caramel Pork dish, complemented by the crispness of perfectly fried water spinach, blending sweet, savory, and crisp flavors.
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Pork
- 1
Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine pork belly, garlic, soy sauce, and white pepper.
- 2
Marinate Pork
Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Tip: Let the pork marinate longer for deeper flavor penetration.
- 3
Prepare Marinade
Combine mandarin juice, brown sugar, star anise, and cinnamon stick in a separate bowl.
Preparing the Caramel Sauce
- 1
Dissolve Sugar
In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- 2
Caramelize
Allow to simmer without stirring until caramel forms.
- 3
Add Fish Sauce
Add fish sauce carefully, stir, and let it cool slightly.
Tip: 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.
How to Make Mandarin Caramel Pork with Crispy Water Spinach
Total time: 4 h 13 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Sear Pork
Quickly sear the marinated pork pieces until golden brown on all sides.
- 2
Simmer Pork
Transfer the seared pork to the marinade and simmer for 2 hours until tender.
- 3
Fry Spinach
Dredge water spinach in flour and fry until crisp.
Chef's Tips
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
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.
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