Homemade Bakgwa (Chinese Pork Jerky): A Traditional Delicacy

Ingredients

500 grams of minced pork
100 grams of sugar
1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of Chinese wine (Shaoxing wine)
1/2 teaspoon of five spice powder
1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of oil
2 tablespoons of water

Steps and instructions

Combine the minced pork and sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, Chinese wine, five spice powder, white pepper, honey, oil, and water to make the sauce.
Pour the sauce into the bowl of marinated pork. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the sauce.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). While the oven is preheating, line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Spread the marinated pork on the lined tray. Use a rolling pin to flatten the pork evenly, approximately 5mm thick.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the tray from the oven and cut the pork into square pieces.
Brush the pork pieces with honey, turn up the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F), and return the tray to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked and slightly charred.
Allow the Bakgwa to cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade Bakgwa!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for combining the minced pork and other ingredients.
Baking Tray - A flat tray for baking the marinated pork in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
Cling Wrap - Used to cover the bowl of marinated pork for refrigeration.
Rolling Pin - Used to flatten the marinated pork evenly.
Basting Brush - Used to brush the pork pieces with honey before baking.
Oven - Used to bake the marinated pork at the specified temperatures.

Recipe variations

Substitute minced pork with minced chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Use brown sugar or palm sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Add chopped garlic or ginger to the marinade for an extra layer of taste.
Experiment with different spices like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes to customize the flavor profile.
Replace the honey glaze with a maple syrup glaze for a slightly sweet and smoky taste.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the minced pork with minced tofu or tempeh.
Try using different types of sauces like hoisin sauce or barbecue sauce to give the Bakgwa a unique twist.
Add sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top of the Bakgwa for added texture and nuttiness.
Experiment with different cooking methods such as grilling or pan-frying instead of baking.

Recipe overview

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Chinese cuisine with this authentic Bakgwa (Chinese BBQ Pork Jerky) recipe. Bakgwa is a much-loved snack in Chinese communities, especially during the Lunar New Year. This recipe will guide you step-by-step on how to create this delicious delicacy in your own kitchen.

Expect to be hands-on with the preparation, as the minced pork needs to be marinated with a blend of Asian sauces and condiments, then rolled out and baked until it achieves that characteristic sweet-savory flavor and slightly charred finish. Don't worry if it's your first time, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners. Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade Bakgwa!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of minced pork? Yes, you can use minced chicken or beef as a substitute for minced pork.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the Bakgwa? Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter Bakgwa, you can increase the amount of sugar or honey in the recipe. Conversely, if you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or honey.
Can I grill the Bakgwa instead of baking? Yes, you can grill the Bakgwa instead of baking it. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the Bakgwa for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked and slightly charred.
Can I store the Bakgwa? Yes, you can store the Bakgwa. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze the Bakgwa? Yes, you can freeze the Bakgwa for up to 3 months. Ensure it is tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking tray - A flat tray used for baking the marinated pork.
Parchment paper - Used to line the baking tray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl - A bowl used for combining the minced pork and sauce.
Cling wrap - Used to cover the bowl of marinated pork during the refrigeration period.
Rolling pin - Used to flatten the marinated pork to an even thickness.
Basting brush - Used to brush the pork with honey before returning it to the oven for the final bake.

Origin stories

Bakgwa, also known as Rougan, hails from the Fujian province in China, where it was initially served as a preserved meat product similar to jerky. Over the centuries, Chinese immigrants took their love for Bakgwa to other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia. It transformed into a sweet and savoury snack under the influence of local tastes and ingredients, and it is now widely associated with the festive Lunar New Year celebrations. Families and friends exchange Bakgwa as a gift, symbolising a wish for abundance and prosperity in the coming year. The recipe has evolved over time, with ingredients like honey and spices added to create layers of flavour. Nowadays, Bakgwa is not just restricted to the Lunar New Year; it's a beloved snack that's enjoyed all year round.

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.