The Best Peking Pork Chops

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The Best Peking Pork Chops is made with thin cuts of pork that have been marinated, fried, and then covered in a delicious sweet and sour sauce.  When paired with some white rice it is a simple yet tasty meal. Whenever I go to a Chinese restaurant, Peking Pork is a dish you must order! It is so good, especially when the sweet and sour sauce hits your lips. Peking Pork is a popular Chinese restaurant dish that can be easily made at home. With a small amount of preparation, this meal is a great weeknight dinner because it’s fast, easy, and simple.

WHAT ARE PEKING PORK CHOPS?

Peking Pork Chops is called Jing Du Pork. The pig is a symbol of fatness and abundance, and any pork dish is a favorable symbol of prosperity. The sweet and sticky texture of the Peking-style glaze symbolizes “a sweet year ahead” and “family cohesiveness”. Another thing is the color of the sauce is red, which is the Chinese color for celebration, prosperity, and longevity. It’s especially popular during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Ingredients for Marinade:

• 2 Pounds Pork Loin (boneless): Tender and lean, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the marinade and achieving a juicy, flavorful pork chop.
• 2 Eggs: Helps bind the cornstarch to the pork, ensuring a crispy exterior when cooked.
• 2 Tbsp Corn Starch: Coats the pork, creating a light, crisp crust during frying.
• 1 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a mild tanginess, tenderizing the pork and enhancing its flavor.
• ½ Tsp Salt: Seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the pork and balances the marinade.

Ingredients for the Sauce:

• 3 Tbsp Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the sauce, giving it a rich color and flavor.
• 1 Tsp Garlic (minced): Adds a pungent, savory depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 Tsp Ginger (fresh, minced): Brings a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
• 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce, balancing the tangy and savory elements with a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• 1 Tbsp Chili Sauce: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the sauce’s depth, making it more dynamic.
• ¼ Tsp Chinese Five Spice (optional): A blend of spices that adds a subtle, complex flavor, characteristic of Chinese cuisine.
• 1 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce: Contributes a sweet, salty, and slightly tangy flavor, deepening the sauce’s richness.
• 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the meatiness of the dish.
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet, and complex flavor that complements the sauce.
• 2 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness, giving the sauce a slight tang.
• ¼ Cup Water: Helps to thin the sauce to the desired consistency, ensuring it coats the pork evenly.

HOW TO PREPARE ASIAN-INSPIRED PEKING PORK?

WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH PEKING PORK?

Cooked white rice or steamed riced cauliflower (low-carb option) are excellent choices to serve with Peking Pork. These options will soak up all that delicious sauce adding more flavor with every bite. However, there are many other options in the side dish department if rice or cauliflower rice doesn’t sound good to you. Check out these easy recipes for more ideas!

• Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Easy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are sauteed on the stove in a mixture of bacon grease and butter, resulting in a crispy caramelized side dish that’s quick and easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Honey Garlic Glazed Roasted Carrots: Honey Garlic Glazed Roasted Carrots are a classic side dish that my family loves.  There is nothing better than eating a sweet side dish and knowing it’s also healthy.  The combination of carrots, garlic, honey, and butter brings the sweetness you want without the guilt. 

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS?

To store leftover Peking Pork, place the cooled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork on a baking sheet, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat it for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. This method helps retain the pork’s tenderness and keeps the flavors intact.

CAN ASIAN-STYLE PEKING PORK BE FROZEN?

You can freeze The Best Peking Pork Chops and there are two ways to do this. You can freeze before cooking, or freeze the leftovers after cooking.

CAN IT BE FROZEN BEFORE COOKING?

Combine the ingredients in preparing the sauce and add the pork and sauce to a zip-top freezer bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Essentially this this option is like marinating the pork in the sauce in the freezer.

HOW DO YOU FREEZE LEFTOVERS FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?

To freeze leftover Peking Pork for later consumption, first allow the pork to cool completely. Once cooled, place the pork in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. For added protection, place the wrapped pork in a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven or on the stovetop.