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Fried Chinese Pork – Crispy Xiao Su Rou Recipe

This fried Chinese pork recipe delivers golden, crunchy pork strips with a tender center. Scallions are added to the batter for an irresistible aroma, and the pork is double-fried for lasting crispiness. A must-try for festive dinners or flavorful snacks.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 153kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients for Crispy Scallion Xiao Su Rou

  • 500 g pork shoulder 梅花肉, cut into ~1.5cm thick strips
  • 1 small handful scallions ~30g, blanched and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce ~15ml
  • 1 tablespoon cooking wine ~15ml
  • 1 g salt
  • ½ teaspoon five-spice powder ~1g

For the Batter & Frying

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 heaped tablespoons sweet potato starch ~40g
  • 1 heaped tablespoon all-purpose flour ~20g
  • Water as needed
  • Neutral cooking oil for deep-frying

Instructions

Marinate the Pork:

  • In a large bowl, combine the pork strips with light soy sauce, cooking wine, salt, and five-spice powder. Mix thoroughly until each piece is coated. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the scallions and blanch them for 10 seconds, then drain well and chop finely.
  • Add the chopped scallions to the marinated pork and mix until evenly distributed.

Prepare the Batter:

  • In a separate bowl, combine the sweet potato starch and all-purpose flour. Add the two egg yolks.
  • Gradually add water, a little at a time, while stirring constantly. Stop when the batter reaches a thick, creamy consistency similar to full-fat yogurt. It should coat the back of a spoon thickly.

Coat the Pork:

  • Pour the prepared batter over the marinated pork (with scallions).
  • Using chopsticks or your hands, gently mix and fold until every single pork strip is uniformly and completely coated in the batter.

First Fry (Medium-Heat):

  • Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok or deep pot to about 170°C (340°F). To test, insert a wooden chopstick; small bubbles should quickly form around it.
  • Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated pork pieces one by one into the hot oil.
  • Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly golden, set, and cooked through.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.

Second Fry (High-Heat):

  • Increase the oil temperature to about 190°C (375°F).
  • Carefully return all the once-fried pork to the hot oil.
  • Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the pieces turn a deep, uniform golden brown and become incredibly crispy.
  • Remove immediately and drain on fresh paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot while perfectly crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 166IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg