As the waiter approached our finely decorated table, I gasped in wonder as she set a large suckling roast pig right in the center of our table. Like any traditional Chinese banquet, the first course of the dinner was always slices of crispy pork skin crackling over a layer of tender meat. The contrast of salty crispy skin to the succulent meat marbled with fat was really unbelievably delicious. In my dictionary, it is basically the Chinese “foie gras”. Probably the most spectacular part of this dish is the giant pig head that rests on one edge of the platter. It is jaw dropping to witness this sight, with its trail of thinly sliced meat artistically layered behind.
We all grabbed our chopsticks eagerly waiting as the lazy Susan turned and turned. The dish is first served to the elders, next your parents, after that your younger cousins and…finally your turn. You gingerly dip your piece in the hot mustard dressing and lower it into your bowl…Suddenly it hits you. Soft, tender, crunchy..”Ooo”..and then the salty grilled/barbecue flavor hits. Absolutely Delicious.
But wait just yet. You didn’t think that was it right? This was just the FIRST course. The 10 other platters of delicate seafood, fried rice, steamed fish, fried spring roll had yet to arrive…and was still being prepared by the busy kitchen staff. You watch as the waiters hurry by and the whirlwind of chaotic motions around you: Clean plates are replaced with new ones, bowls of unfinished soup, empty tea pots. Plate after plate – food simply never stops – the classic mark of a Chinese feast.
Inspired by Cinco De Mayo, Zoe and I decided to try out this delicious roast pork recipe. A dish that will impress and a dish that will satisfy! I guarantee. The best part is that you can marinade and cook this pork tenderloin in just 30 minutes. Simply serve this with tacos, rice or on its own – and you have something rather spectacular.
Making the authentic Chinese Roast Pork is time consuming, hardly anyone will recreate this at home. But let me say this – this pork tenderloin surpassed my expectations. It has hints of Chinese flavorings: 5 spice, soy sauce with that classic drippy brown glaze that is savory, flavorful and memorable. It probably won’t be anything like the original, but it definitely satisfied my picky palate. No questions.
This is an affordable, 30 minute recipe that will astonish your guests.
- 1.25 lbs Pork Tenderloin
- Dry Spice Rub:
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp garlic salt (3/4 tsp garlic, ⅛-1/4 tsp salt)
- ¾ tsp ground ginger
- ¾ tsp five spice powder
- ¾ tsp cinnamon
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Fill a 9 x13" (or any pan with tall edges) with water and place in the oven on the bottom rack.
- Trim the fat off the pork tenderloin. Cut deep splits across the front and back of the meat.
- Combine ingredients for the spice rub in a separate bowl, mix well.
- Rub evenly over the pork tenderloin.
- On a lined baking tray/cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the pork tenderloin on and put in the oven above the water.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes minutes until the center is no longer pink (can be slightly pink). You can slice into the pork to make sure it is no longer pink)
- Thinly slice the pork and serve with rice, vegetables.
LOVE,
Zoe & Mia
(This post is featured on Weekend Potluck, fanDay Friday, Food Friday, Traffic Jam Weekend, Twinkly Tuesday, Menu Plan Monday, Mix it Up Monday, Thank Goodness Its Monday, Hearth and Soul)
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Living 4 Today!! says
This {again} looks delicious AND very simple to make. I will be adding this to my meal plan this or next week. Thanks for sharing!
zoelaucy says
Thank you 🙂 We loved making and most of all eating this! We hope you like it too 🙂 Keep us updated on how it turns out!
Kriska Marie says
Ahhhh! Looks so yummy. This got me drooling! I miss eating pork! Thank you for sharing it with us at Food Friday! 😀
zoelaucy says
Thanks Kriska!!! That so sweet of you! I hope you get to try this out!! 🙂
mummascribbles says
Ooo my mouth was watering reading this – it looks delicious! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
zoelaucy says
Thank you 🙂 🙂 we appreciate you stopping by!!!
mommyandrory says
I love Asian food and pork is especially my favourite! This looks delicious #TwinklyTuesday
boilednoodlejenn says
This looks absolutely delicious!!
zoelaucy says
Thank you so much Jenn 🙂 hope you get it try it out!