Crispy Taiwanese pork cutlets: A delicious recipe to try

Ingredients for Crispy Taiwanese pork cutlets

• 450 g boneless pork loin chops, (½" thick)

• 80 ml soy sauce

• 80 ml unseasoned rice vinegar

• 30 ml soy paste

• 10 g caster sugar

• 2 g freshly ground black pepper

• 1 g freshly ground white pepper (optional)

• 1 g ground cinnamon

• 1 g five-spice powder

• 180 g Chinese sweet potato starch

• 720 ml vegetable oil, (for frying)

• gochugaru, (fine Korean red pepper powder, for serving; optional)

• a deep-fry thermometer

How to make Crispy Taiwanese pork cutlets

1. Place the pork chops on a cutting board and use the back of a cleaver or a heavy chef’s knife to pound the meat, moving the knife back and forth across the surface until it is 3–6 mm thick. The surface should be jagged and textured.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, soy paste, sugar, black pepper, white pepper (if using), cinnamon, Five-Spice Powder, and 80 ml of water. Add the pork chops and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours.

3. Remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry with kitchen paper. Place the sweet potato starch in a large shallow dish. Dredge each piece of pork in the starch, ensuring both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess and transfer to a plate.

4. Clip a thermometer to the side of a large frying pan or pot and pour in enough oil to come 1.3 cm (½ inch) up the sides. Heat over medium-high until the thermometer registers 175 °C.

5. Working in batches, fry the pork for about 30 seconds on each side, until just golden. Transfer the pork to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking tray to drain.

6. Repeat the frying process, cooking the pork a second time until deep golden brown, around 30 seconds per side. Return the pork to the rack and let cool slightly.

7. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and slice into strips. Arrange in a single layer on a serving platter and sprinkle with gochugaru, if using.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.