Chinese pork jerky is a sweet and savory dried meat. It is called “Bak Kwa” in some places. It has a chewy and tender texture. The meat is thinly sliced. It is seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and spices. Then, it is grilled or baked until caramelized.
Ingredients You Will Need
Basic ingredients:
- 500g ground pork (20% fat is best)
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 100g sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Tools You Will Need
Simple kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Brush for glazing
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Pork Jerky
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
How to make the marinade:
- In a bowl, add light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce.
- Add sugar, honey, and Shaoxing wine.
- Sprinkle five-spice powder and white pepper.
- Pour in the sesame oil.
- Use a whisk to mix everything well.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
How to prepare the pork:
- Put the ground pork into a large bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the pork.
- Use a spatula to stir in one direction until sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
Get ready to bake:
- Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Spread the marinated pork onto the paper.
- Use a spatula or rolling pin to flatten it evenly to about 2-3 mm thick.
Step 4: First Bake
Dry the pork:
- Place the tray into the oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes.
- The pork should dry out but not be fully cooked yet.
Step 5: Cut into Pieces
Shape the jerky:
- Remove the tray from the oven.
- Let the pork cool slightly.
- Use a knife or scissors to cut it into squares or rectangles.
Step 6: Final Grilling
Caramelize the jerky:
- Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F).
- Place the cut pieces back on the tray.
- Brush lightly with honey for extra glaze.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side.
- Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Keep your jerky fresh:
- Let the pork jerky cool completely.
- Store it in an airtight container.
- It stays good at room temperature for 3-5 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage.
Tips for the Best Chinese Pork Jerky
Simple tips:
- Use pork with some fat for a tender texture.
- Mix the pork until it becomes sticky for better results.
- Thin, even layers make it bake more evenly.
- Keep an eye on grilling to avoid burning the sugar.
- You can add chili powder if you like it spicy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be careful of:
- Using lean pork only. It makes the jerky dry.
- Overbaking during the first bake. It will be hard later.
- Grilling too long. It burns easily because of sugar.
Different Flavor Ideas
Change it up:
- Add minced garlic to the marinade for stronger flavor.
- Use honey instead of sugar for a softer texture.
- Mix in chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Add a little hoisin sauce for a deeper taste.
Serving Suggestions
How to enjoy it:
- Eat it as a snack.
- Pack it in lunch boxes.
- Serve it with rice.
- Give it as homemade gifts.
Healthier Versions
Make it lighter:
- Use less sugar if you want a less sweet jerky.
- Use air fryer instead of grilling if preferred.
- Choose organic pork for better quality.
Conclusion
Making Chinese pork jerky at home is easy and fun.
The steps are simple. The ingredients are easy to find. The result is a sweet, smoky, and savory treat. You can enjoy it fresh anytime.
Try different flavors and make it your own. Homemade pork jerky is a delicious gift and a great snack!
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