Craving a unique and flavorful salad that's bursting with texture and surprising tastes? Look no further than this vibrant Chinese Pork Ear Salad! This refreshing dish transcends the ordinary, offering a delightful combination of crunchy pork ears, crisp vegetables, and a zesty, umami-rich dressing. Forget boring salads; this recipe delivers a captivating culinary experience, perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or a stunning addition to your next Asian-inspired feast. The contrasting textures and bold flavors will tantalize your taste buds, leaving you wanting more.
Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and speed of preparation; this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow. This Asian Pork Ear Salad is far more impressive than its ease of creation would suggest. Ready to dive into the delicious details and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Grater
- Knife
- Bowl
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Pig's ear
- Onion (half)
- Ginger
- Bay leaf
- Peppercorns
- Mint: 1 bunch
- Cilantro: 1 bunch
- Green onions: 40g
- Cucumbers: 2 medium (60g)
- Bell pepper: 60g
- White onion: 50g
- Chili pepper
- Carrot: 50-60g
- Ginger root: 20g
- Cashew nuts (or peanuts): 50g
- Dried fried onions: 1.5 tbsp
- Fish sauce: 2 tbsp
- Lime or lemon juice: 50ml
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pork Ear and Vegetables
- Wash, clean, and scorch the pig's ear. Boil it with half an onion, ginger, bay leaf, and peppercorns until tender (about an hour). Avoid overcooking.
- thinly slice the carrots (using a grater or knife), green onions, cucumbers, bell pepper, white onion, and ginger.
- Finely chop the chili pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
- Pick the mint leaves and set aside.
- Cut the boiled pig's ear into thin strips.
Step 2. Make the Dressing and Combine Ingredients
- Coarsely crush the cashew nuts in a mortar and pestle.
- whisk together lime juice, fish sauce (or salt), sugar, and sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a separate bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Combine all the prepared ingredients (except some dried onions for garnish) in a large bowl.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved dried onions.
Read more: Chinese Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken
Tips
- If you can't find mint, substitute with more cilantro.
- Chicken fillet can be used instead of pig's ear.
- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I buy pork ears?
Pork ears are often found in Asian grocery stores, butcher shops specializing in Asian meats, or sometimes in the larger supermarkets in the international food section. You may also find them pre-cooked online.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and pork ears. The dressing can be made ahead, however.
This Chinese Pork Ear Salad offers a delightful and unexpected culinary adventure, proving that simple ingredients can create a truly memorable dish. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a light yet satisfying meal. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the refreshing delight for yourself!