Hello, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a beloved classic from Shandong Cuisine: 软炸里脊 (Ruan Zha Li Ji), or Soft-fried Pork Loin. This dish perfectly embodies comfort food with its tender, succulent strips of pork encased in a delicate, crispy, yet soft batter. Unlike heavier deep-fried dishes, Ruan Zha Li Ji offers a lighter texture that melts in your mouth, making it an irresistible treat for all ages. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home, and the results are absolutely divine. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
🥢 Ingredients
- 500g pork loin or tenderloin, cut into 1cm thick strips
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or cooking wine)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp ginger, grated (optional)
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Optional: Dipping sauce (e.g., spiced salt, sweet and sour sauce)
🔥 Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Pat the pork loin strips dry with paper towels. In a bowl, marinate the pork with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and grated ginger (if using). Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Gradually mix until a smooth, thick batter forms. It should be thick enough to coat the pork but not overly pasty.
- Coat the Pork: Add the marinated pork strips to the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Heat the Oil: Heat a wok or deep pot with enough vegetable oil for deep frying over medium-high heat to about 160-170°C (320-340°F). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter; it should sizzle and float to the top immediately.
- First Fry (Soft Fry): Carefully drop the battered pork strips into the hot oil, one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until the batter turns light golden and the pork is cooked through. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Second Fry (Crispy Fry – Optional but recommended): Increase the oil temperature to about 180-190°C (350-375°F). Return all the fried pork strips to the hot oil for a second fry. This step will make the exterior crispier. Fry for another 30-60 seconds until the batter is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the crispy pork from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade Soft-fried Pork Loin!