Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that's both surprisingly delicious and refreshingly unique? Today, we're tackling a dish that might initially raise an eyebrow: Sweet and Sour Pork Heart. While it may not be the most common ingredient in Western kitchens, pork heart, when prepared correctly, offers a wonderfully firm texture and a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the vibrant tang of a sweet and sour sauce. Forget any preconceived notions; this recipe is guaranteed to convert even the most hesitant palates. This isn't your grandma's sweet and sour pork! We're using a special technique to ensure the heart is tender and juicy, avoiding any rubbery texture.
This recipe takes the classic sweet and sour profile and elevates it with a depth of flavor that comes only from using a less conventional protein. The perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce coats tender pieces of pork heart, creating a symphony of tastes in every bite. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible depth of flavor and the unexpected tenderness of the meat. Ready to learn how to make this incredible dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- Pig heart: 400g
- Cucumber: 180g
- Pineapple: 150g
- Tomatoes: 180g
- Onion: 180g
- Celery and green onions: 50g
- Shallots: 2
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chili peppers: 2
- Salt
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
- Cooking oil
- Chili sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the pig heart in half, wash away blood clots, and marinate it with salt and vinegar or lemon juice for 1 minute. Rinse again.
- Cut pineapple into slices, onion into thicker half-slices, cucumber into thick pieces, and tomatoes into quarters.
- Chop shallots, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Clean and thinly slice the pig heart, removing any remaining blood clots.
- Marinate the pig heart with minced garlic, shallots, sugar, MSG, ground pepper, fish sauce, and oyster sauce for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Pork Heart
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic, chili, and shallots until fragrant.
- Add the marinated pig heart and stir-fry until slightly browned.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Add pineapple and cucumber, stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and onions, stir-fry briefly.
- Add additional seasoning to taste.
- Add celery and green onions, stir-fry until cooked.
- Add a little ground pepper on top.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Cut the onion a little thicker so it won't be too soft when stir-fried.
- Cut the cucumber and tomatoes into slightly thicker pieces for a crispier texture.
- Stir-fry vegetables until just cooked for a crispy texture.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Is pork heart tough? I'm worried it will be chewy.
Not if you prepare it correctly! This recipe uses a specific marinating and cooking method to ensure the pork heart remains tender and juicy, not tough or chewy.
2. Can I substitute the pork heart with another meat?
While pork heart provides a unique flavor and texture, you could try substituting with pork tenderloin or chicken breast. However, the cooking time and tenderness might differ.
3. Where can I buy pork heart?
Pork heart is often found in Asian markets or butcher shops that specialize in less common cuts of meat. You may also be able to order it from your local butcher.
This Sweet and Sour Stir-Fried Pork Heart recipe is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of unexpected ingredients. We hope you enjoyed this culinary adventure and discovered a new favorite dish. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this unique and flavorful creation!