Tangsuyuk is a beloved Korean-Chinese dish that features crispy fried pork coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. It's a popular dish in Korean-Chinese restaurants and is often enjoyed with a side of jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) or jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup). The dish is known for its perfect balance of flavors—sweet, sour, and savory—all wrapped up in a crunchy exterior. While pork is the traditional protein used in Tangsuyuk, it can also be made with beef or chicken. This recipe will guide you through making Tangsuyuk at home, offering tips and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 500g pork tenderloin (or beef/chicken), cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 cup potato starch (for coating)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for color)
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 small onion, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
- 2 tablespoons potato starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Preparing the Pork
- Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the pork strips with soy sauce, rice wine, egg white, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and add flavor.
- Coat the Pork: After marinating, toss the pork strips in potato starch until fully coated. The starch gives Tangsuyuk its signature crispy texture.
- Fry the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the coated pork strips in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add Vegetables: Add the julienned carrot, cucumber, onion, and pineapple chunks to the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the potato starch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Combining Pork and Sauce
- Serve: Arrange the fried pork strips on a serving plate. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the pork just before serving to keep the pork crispy. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Double Frying: For an extra crispy texture, you can double-fry the pork. After the initial frying, let the pork strips cool slightly, then fry them again for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar or balance it with more vinegar.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms to the sauce.
Variations
- Beef Tangsuyuk: Substitute pork with thinly sliced beef for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken Tangsuyuk: Use chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version.
- Spicy Tangsuyuk: Add some gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) or dried chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the potato starch is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant individuals.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of Tangsuyuk can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. On average, a serving of Tangsuyuk (about 150g of pork with sauce) can contain approximately 350-450 calories. This includes the calories from the pork, the frying oil, and the sweet and sour sauce.
Conclusion
Tangsuyuk is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Korean and Chinese culinary traditions. Whether you make it with pork, beef, or chicken, the combination of crispy meat and flavorful sweet and sour sauce is sure to please. With its vibrant colors and satisfying texture, Tangsuyuk is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. By following this recipe and experimenting with variations, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Enjoy your homemade Tangsuyuk!
