Delicious and Authentic Yoke Gon Recipe: A Taste of Burmese Cuisine

Ingredients

2 lbs of lean pork, cut into thin slices
2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup of water
2 green onions, sliced
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the pork, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, Chinese rice wine, garlic, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil in the skillet and add the marinated pork. Fry until the pork is fully cooked and browned.
Add the scrambled eggs and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the pork.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Add the sliced green onions and salt to taste. Stir well.
Serve the Yoke Gon hot with rice or noodles.

Tools for making

Skillet or Wok - A large cooking vessel used for frying and simmering the Yoke Gon.
Large Bowl - A container used for marinating the pork and combining the ingredients.
Chopping Board - A flat surface used for chopping and preparing the garlic and green onions.
Knife - A sharp tool used for slicing the pork, chopping the garlic, and cutting the green onions.
Whisk or Fork - A utensil used for beating the eggs before cooking.
Measuring Spoons - Utensils used for accurately measuring the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and cornstarch.
Cooking Spoon or Spatula - A utensil used for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the skillet.
Cover or Lid - A tool used for covering the skillet when simmering the Yoke Gon.

Recipe variations

Substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to enhance the dish.
For a spicier version, add chili flakes, chili sauce, or diced spicy peppers.
Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat and using vegetable broth or soy sauce instead of oyster sauce.
Add other seasonings such as ginger, star anise, or five-spice powder to infuse different flavors.
For a healthier option, use leaner cuts of meat or reduce the amount of oil used.
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce to give the dish a unique twist.
Try serving the Yoke Gon with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for different meal options.
Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

This Yoke Gon recipe is a delectable delight that brings the taste of authentic Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. Comprised of lean pork marinated with a delicious blend of soy sauces, Chinese rice wine, garlic, and sugar, Yoke Gon is a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The dish is rounded off with scrambled eggs and garnished with fresh green onions, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Pair it with rice or noodles for a full entree that is sure to please. Expect to spend a little time on preparation, as marinating the pork will significantly enhance the flavor. The actual cooking process is fairly straightforward and doesn't require any specialized equipment, making this a great recipe for both experienced cooks and beginners. Enjoy the process and the amazing flavors of this classic Chinese dish!

Common questions

Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breast instead of pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute the Chinese rice wine?
If you don't have Chinese rice wine, you can use dry sherry or white wine as a substitute.
What can I serve with Yoke Gon?
Yoke Gon is commonly served with steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Is Yoke Gon spicy?
No, Yoke Gon is not traditionally a spicy dish. However, if you prefer some heat, you can add a small amount of chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the recipe.
Can I make Yoke Gon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the pork in advance. This will help to enhance the flavors. However, it is recommended to cook the dish fresh for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet or Wok - A large skillet or wok is essential for frying the pork and combining all the ingredients.
Large Bowl - A large bowl is needed to marinate the pork and mix it with the other ingredients.
Cooking Spoon or Spatula - A cooking spoon or spatula is helpful for stirring and flipping the pork and eggs while cooking.
Knife - A knife is required for slicing the pork and chopping the garlic.
Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and cornstarch.
Cooking Oil - Cooking oil is needed for frying the pork and eggs.
Cover or Lid - A cover or lid is needed to simmer the Yoke Gon and thicken the sauce.

Origin stories

Yoke Gon, translating to "Music of the Egg," is a dish that holds a special place in the culinary heritage of the Cantonese people in China. It's said to have been named by a famous musician who migrated to Canton in the late Ming Dynasty. This musician, renowned for his erhu playing, was also a passionate food lover. Having fallen on hard times, he started cooking and selling this uniquely prepared pork and egg dish on the streets. His melodious tunes coupled with the enchanting aroma of the dish quickly attracted passersby. People would gather not only to enjoy his music, but also to savor his delicious dish. The egg in the dish was said to represent the purity of his music, and thus, the dish was named Yoke Gon - the Music of the Egg. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food in many Cantonese homes, an edible reminder of the melody that once echoed through the streets of Canton.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.