Korean Style Sweet and Sour Pork

Korean-Style Sweet and Sour Pork, known as Tangsuyuk, is a delicious fusion of Chinese and Korean flavors, resembling Americanized Chinese sweet and sour dishes. In Korea, this dish is not only a popular snack but also a favorite among kids and a special occasion delight. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a drinking snack, Tangsuyuk’s sweet and tangy profile makes it a hit among food enthusiasts. With its delightful combination of tender pork and a luscious sauce, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The crispy texture of the deep-fried pork, coated in a delectable cornstarch-egg batter, contrasts wonderfully with the sautéed vegetables, resulting in a visually appealing and appetizing treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering Korean delight!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cornstarch, plus 2 tablespoons
• 2 cups water, divided
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• Peanut oil for deep-frying
• 12 ounces pork, fat trimmed, cut into thin strips
• ½ onion, sliced
• ¼ carrot, sliced
• ½ small cucumber, sliced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATIONS

1. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup cornstarch and 1 cup water. Let sit for 1 hour. Pour off the water from the top.
2. Add the egg to the cornstarch mixture and whisk to combine. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 cup water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and mirin and stir to combine. Set the sauce aside.
4. Heat about 2 inches of peanut oil in a large saucepan or wok over high heat.
5. Dip the pork strips in the cornstarch-egg mixture and use your hands to coat the meat. Drop the battered pork in batches into the hot oil and deep-fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.
6. Once all of the pork strips have been fried, deep-fry them again to make them extra crispy. Drain on paper towels.
7. In a dry medium sauté pan over medium-high heat, sauté the onion, carrot, cucumber, sesame oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, for 2 minutes. Add the sauce mixture, stir to combine, and bring to a boil.
8. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons water with the remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch to make a slurry. Just when the sauce starts to boil, add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook, stirring, until it starts to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
9. To serve, arrange the pork pieces on a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top of the pork.

YIELD

• Serves 4

TIPS

• You can sweeten this dish more by adding some pineapple or apple chunks to the sauce in the last couple of minutes of cooking.

In conclusion, Korean-Style Sweet and Sour Pork, or Tangsuyuk, is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the best of Korean and Chinese cuisines. With its crispy deep-fried pork and a mouthwatering sweet and tangy sauce, this dish is a favorite among both kids and adults in Korea. By following the simple recipe, you can create a visually appealing and delicious dish that is perfect for special occasions, snacks, or even as a tasty accompaniment to drinks.

Tangsuyuk is a versatile dish, and you can get creative by adding pineapple or apple chunks to elevate its sweetness and texture. Whether you enjoy it at home or order it from a Korean restaurant, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

With its delightful balance of flavors and ease of preparation, Korean-Style Sweet and Sour Pork is a must-try for any food lover. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or already a fan, Tangsuyuk is a dish that will keep you coming back for more.