Craving a flavorful and aromatic Thai dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than our Steamed Three-Layer Herb Pork! This recipe delivers a delightful explosion of spicy, savory, and herbaceous notes in every tender bite. Imagine succulent layers of pork belly, shoulder, and loin, perfectly steamed to juicy perfection and infused with a vibrant blend of fragrant Thai herbs and chilies. The result is a show-stopping dish, ideal for a special occasion or a weeknight treat that will impress even the most discerning palate.
This incredibly satisfying recipe balances rich, fatty pork with the bright freshness of herbs, creating a complex and unforgettable culinary experience. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this steamed masterpiece is surprisingly straightforward. Ready to embark on a culinary journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Steamed Three-Layer Herb Pork.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Steamer
- Plate
Ingredients
- White peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Dried chili peppers: 5
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks
- Coriander roots: 2 stalks
- Galangal: 1 tablespoon
- Kaffir lime leaves: 3
- Turmeric leaves: 4
- Red chili peppers: 3
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic cloves: 1 tablespoon
- Small shallots: 5
- Three-layer pork: 500 grams
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- White soy sauce: ½ teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: ½ tablespoon
- Shredded kaffir lime leaves
- Spring onions
- Coriander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Herb Paste
- Pound 1 teaspoon of white peppercorns until broken. Add 5 dried chili peppers and pound coarsely until ground.
- Add 2 sliced lemongrass stalks, 2 sliced coriander roots, 1 tablespoon sliced galangal, 3 sliced kaffir lime leaves, 4 sliced turmeric leaves, 3 red chili peppers, and ½ teaspoon salt. Pound all herbs together thoroughly.
- Add 1 tablespoon of garlic cloves and 5 small shallots. Pound everything until finely ground.
Step 2. Marinate the Pork
- Cut 500 grams of three-layer pork into pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon white soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and ½ tablespoon oyster sauce.
- Add the pounded herbs to the seasoned pork. Mix well, ensuring the herbs are incorporated into the pork belly. Add extra chili peppers for color if desired.
Step 3. Steam the Pork
- Place the marinated pork belly on a plate.
- Boil water in a steamer over medium heat. Once boiling, place the pork belly in the steamer and steam for 30 minutes.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- After 30 minutes, add shredded kaffir lime leaves, spring onions, and coriander (optional). Close the lid and steam for another 2 minutes to wilt the vegetables.
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Fresh Thai Steamed Fish: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference.
- This recipe can be served as breakfast, or adapted for sale.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of three layers?
While three-layer pork provides the best texture and flavor balance, you can substitute with a combination of pork belly and shoulder or even just a thick-cut pork loin. Adjust cooking time as needed, since leaner cuts will cook faster.
2. What if I don't have all the listed herbs?
Don't worry! Feel free to substitute with similar herbs you have on hand. For example, cilantro can replace some of the Thai basil, and lemongrass can be partially replaced with lemon zest. The core flavors will still shine through.
This Steamed Three-Layer Herb Pork recipe delivers a delicious and authentic Thai experience without the fuss of complicated cooking methods. Enjoy the succulent layers of pork infused with fragrant herbs and a delightful spicy kick. Impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dish!