Tactical Tastes

Tag: Pork

  • Arroz al horno (baked rice)

    Arroz al horno (baked rice)

    Arroz al horno (baked rice) is a spanish pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 800g Pork belly slices
    • 150g Black Pudding
    • 100g Bacon lardon
    • 1 chopped Onion
    • 2 Red Pepper
    • 1 chopped Plum Tomatoes
    • 8 Garlic Clove
    • 4 teaspoons Paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon Chilli Flakes
    • 200g Dried white beans
    • 1 1/2 L Chicken Stock
    • 6 parts Thyme
    • 375g Paella Rice
    • 1 Lemon Juice

    Method

    Heat oven to 200C/180C/gas 6. Heat half the oil in a deep frying or sauté pan (or shallow casserole dish) measuring around 30cm in diameter. Over a high heat, colour the pork belly slices on each side in several batches, then transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining oil to the pan and lower the heat to medium, then add the black pudding and bacon and fry all over for several mins. Remove with a slotted spoon. Fry the onion and peppers for around 10 mins until soft and pale gold, then add the tomato and cook until soft. Add the garlic, smoked paprika and chilli flakes and cook for another 2 mins, then put the pork, black pudding and bacon back in the pan. Add the beans, stock and whichever herb you’re using, and bring everything to the boil.

    Sprinkle the rice around the pork belly, pushing it underneath the stock. Let the stock come to the boil again, season well, then transfer to the oven (leave it uncovered). Cook for 20 mins without stirring, then check to see how the rice is doing. The rice should be tender and the stock absorbed. If it’s not ready, put back in the oven for another 5 mins, then check again. Taste for seasoning.

    Squeeze lemon juice over the top and drizzle over some extra virgin olive oil just before serving, if you like.

    Want to watch it come together? See the full walkthrough.

  • Bai Sach Chrouk – Grilled Pork with Rice

    Bai Sach Chrouk – Grilled Pork with Rice

    Bai Sach Chrouk – Grilled Pork with Rice is a pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 650g Pork Shoulder
    • 1/4 cup Coconut Milk
    • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
    • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
    • 2 tablespoons Honey
    • 4 cloves Garlic
    • 1 tsp Black Pepper
    • 2 cups Jasmine Rice
    • 4 cups Water
    • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
    • 1 sliced Cucumber
    • Garnish Cilantro Leaves

    Method

    1. In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper to make the marinade.

    2. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

    3. While the pork marinates, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.

    4. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

    5. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

    6. Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it on the hot grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through with an internal temperature of 145°F.

    7. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the grill pan to ensure even browning and proper caramelization of the marinade.

    8. Once the pork is grilled, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.

    9. Tip: If you prefer a saucier dish, simmer the leftover marinade in a small saucepan for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and drizzle it over the pork.

    10. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve it warm alongside the grilled pork slices.

    11. Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber and fresh cilantro leaves on top as a refreshing garnish.

    12. Tip: For an extra kick, serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the rich, savory flavors.

  • Barbecue pork buns

    Barbecue pork buns

    Barbecue pork buns is a vietnamese pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 85g Sugar
    • 500g White Bread Mix
    • 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil
    • 12 Bacon
    • Knob Ginger
    • 2 cloves chopped Garlic
    • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
    • 3 tablespoons Clear Honey
    • 3 tablespoons Tomato Puree
    • 1 beaten Egg

    Method

    Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas. Mix the sugar into the bread mix in a large bowl, then add water as instructed on the pack. Bring the dough together with a wooden spoon, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 mins until smooth. Put into a large bowl, cover with oiled cling film then leave in a warm place until doubled in size.

    Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan, then fry the bacon until crisp, about 5 mins. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for 1 min until soft, then tip in the soy, honey and tomato purée and stir well. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.

    Turn out the dough and knead briefly, then pull into 12 even-sized balls. Flatten with your hands, then put a teaspoon-size blob of the filling in the middle. Draw the dough up and pinch it closed like a purse, then turn the bun over and sit it on a large baking sheet. Cover with oiled cling film and leave to rise for about 30 mins until the dough feels pillowy. Brush with egg and bake for 20 mins until golden. Serve warm with dipping sauce. Can be frozen after second rise for up to 1 month or baked up to a day ahead and re-warmed.

    Want to watch it come together? See the full walkthrough.

  • BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes

    BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes

    BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes is a united states pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 2 Potatoes
    • 1 Red Onions
    • 2 cloves Garlic
    • 1 Lime
    • 2 Bread
    • 1 lb Pork
    • Barbeque Sauce
    • Hotsauce
    • Tomato Ketchup
    • Sugar
    • Vegetable Oil
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    Method

    1

    Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wash and dry all produce. Cut sweet potatoes into ½-inch-thick wedges. Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until browned and tender, 20-25 minutes.

    2

    Meanwhile, halve and peel onion. Slice as thinly as possible until you have ¼ cup (½ cup for 4 servings); finely chop remaining onion. Peel and finely chop garlic. Halve lime; squeeze juice into a small bowl. Halve buns. Add 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4) to a separate small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until melted, 30 seconds. Brush onto cut sides of buns.

    3

    To bowl with lime juice, add sliced onion, ¼ tsp sugar (½ tsp for 4 servings), and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine; set aside to quick-pickle.

    4

    Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds more. Add pork and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.

    5

    While pork cooks, in a third small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, pickling liquid from onion, 3 TBSP ketchup (6 TBSP for 4 servings), ½ tsp sugar (1 tsp for 4), and ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4). Once pork is cooked through, add BBQ sauce mixture to pan. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened, 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

    6

    Meanwhile, toast buns in oven or toaster oven until golden, 3-5 minutes. Divide toasted buns between plates and fill with as much BBQ pork as you’d like. Top with pickled onion and hot sauce. Serve with sweet potato wedges on the side.

  • Belgian Stoemp

    Belgian Stoemp

    Belgian Stoemp is a pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 2 Sausages
    • 450g Potatoes
    • 200g Savoy Cabbage
    • 3 cloves Garlic
    • 1 Handfull Parsley
    • 1 small finely diced Onion
    • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
    • 1 cup Beer
    • 60ml Whole Milk
    • Pinch Nutmeg
    • Pinch Pepper
    • Pinch Salt

    Method

    1. Add the chopped potatoes and garlic to a high pan and fill it with tap water until the potatoes are fully submerged.

    2. Add some salt. Then place the pan over high heat and bring the potatoes to a boil. Cook them until tender. In the meantime rinse and drain the savoy cabbage. Slice it up finely.

    3. Add a tablespoon of butter to a large non-stick pan. Place it over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the savoy cabbage. Season with a pinch of pepper and salt.

    4. Stir fry the cabbage for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cabbage is soft and tender. Then turn the heat off and take the cabbage off the heat. In the meantime, pan fry the sausages (or sliced bacon if you are using both) in a non-stick pan in a tablespoon of butter or oil until golden brown and cooked through.

    5. Transfer the sausages (and bacon) to a plate and cover with a lid or tinfoil to keep the meat warm. In the same greasy pan, add the sliced onion and extra butter and cook it gently over medium heat for 10 minutes until softened. (I often add diced bacon as well, if I only serve the stoemp with sausages.)

    6. Then add the beer and turn the heat up. Let the beer reduce until you get a nice beer and onion sauce (you can add a little flour or sauce thickener if you like). Add the pan fried meat back to the pan and cover to keep warm.

    7. Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic, add them back to the pan you cooked them in together with the pan fried cabbage and chopped parsley. Sprinkle with some pepper, salt and nutmeg. Also add the milk and the rest of the unsalted butter.

    8. Mash the potatoes, parsley and cabbage up. Add extra butter or milk if necessary. Also check the seasoning and add extra pepper, nutmeg or salt to taste if necessary. Scoop the cabbage mash onto plates and top with the pan fried sausages (and bacon). Drizzle with the beer and onion sauce. Serve hot.

  • Bigos (Hunters Stew)

    Bigos (Hunters Stew)

    Bigos (Hunters Stew) is a polish pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 2 sliced Bacon
    • 1 lb Kielbasa
    • 1 lb Pork
    • 1/4 cup Flour
    • 3 chopped Garlic
    • 1 Diced Onion
    • 1 1/2 cup Mushrooms
    • 4 cups Cabbage
    • 1 Jar Sauerkraut
    • 1/4 cup Red Wine
    • 1 Bay Leaf
    • 1 tsp Basil
    • 1 tsp Marjoram
    • 1 tbs Paprika
    • 1/8 teaspoon Caraway Seed
    • 1 dash Hotsauce
    • 5 Cups Beef Stock
    • 2 tbs Tomato Puree
    • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes
    • 1 dash Worcestershire Sauce

    Method

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and kielbasa; cook and stir until the bacon has rendered its fat and sausage is lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat and transfer to a large casserole or Dutch oven.

    Coat the cubes of pork lightly with flour and fry them in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to the casserole. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, fresh mushrooms, cabbage and sauerkraut. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until the carrots are soft, about 10 minutes. Do not let the vegetables brown.

    Deglaze the pan by pouring in the red wine and stirring to loosen all of the bits of food and flour that are stuck to the bottom. Season with the bay leaf, basil, marjoram, paprika, salt, pepper, caraway seeds and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.

    Mix in the dried mushrooms, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, tomato paste and tomatoes. Heat through just until boiling. Pour the vegetables and all of the liquid into the casserole dish with the meat. Cover with a lid.

    Bake in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until meat is very tender.

    Want to watch it come together? See the full walkthrough.

  • Boxty Breakfast

    Boxty Breakfast

    Boxty Breakfast is a irish pork favourite that comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience. Here’s how we make it in our test kitchen.

    Ingredients

    • 4 large Potatoes
    • 1 bunch Spring Onions
    • 100g Plain Flour
    • 1 Egg White
    • 150ml Milk
    • 1 tsp Bicarbonate Of Soda
    • 3 tbs Butter
    • 2 tbs Vegetable Oil
    • 6 Cherry Tomatoes
    • 12 Bacon
    • 6 Egg

    Method

    Before you start, put your oven on its lowest setting, ready to keep things warm. Peel the potatoes, grate 2 of them, then set aside. Cut the other 2 into large chunks, then boil for 10-15 mins or until tender. Meanwhile, squeeze as much of the liquid from the grated potatoes as you can using a clean tea towel. Mash the boiled potatoes, then mix with the grated potato, spring onions and flour.

    Whisk the egg white in a large bowl until it holds soft peaks. Fold in the buttermilk, then add the bicarbonate of soda. Fold into the potato mix.

    Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, then add 1 tbsp butter and some of the oil. Drop 3-4 spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan, then gently cook for 3-5 mins on each side until golden and crusty. Keep warm on a plate in the oven while you cook the next batch, adding more butter and oil to the pan before you do so. You will get 16 crumpet-size boxty from the mix. Can be made the day ahead, drained on kitchen paper, then reheated in a low oven for 20 mins.

    Heat the grill to medium and put the tomatoes in a heavy-based pan. Add a good knob of butter and a little oil, then fry for about 5 mins until softened. Grill the bacon, then pile onto a plate and keep warm. Stack up the boxty, bacon and egg, and serve the tomatoes on the side.

    Want to watch it come together? See the full walkthrough.