Land and sea. Sweet and savoury. Surf and turf. Some of the best pairings in life are unexpected yet make complete sense. Pork and prawns fall into that sweet spot. Individually great, but when paired together, two tasty worlds collide, creating some of the most iconic dishes of all time. From potstickers to Pad Thai, we explore the beauty of this classic combination with four Asian recipes, inspired by the streets of Bangkok, Yangzhou and Seoul.
Pork is the most affordable red meat in South Africa, making it ideal for hosting friends and family, no matter the day of the week or occasion. It is enjoyed all across the world, especially in Asian cuisine where it shines. Whether enjoying Chinese fried rice, Korean ssam or Thai noodles, it’s incredibly versatile. And with different cuts, from pork belly to pork neck steaks and shoulder, the options are endless. Pair it with prawns, and you can’t go wrong. These four feast-worthy Asian recipes are all the proof you need.
Pork Belly & Prawn Fried Rice
Every grain in this rice dish is worth savouring. From the unctuous pork belly and the fragrant grains to the sweet prawns, it’s a hearty feast.
Guests will keep going back for more, spoon after spoon.
Gather loved ones around the table for a family-style feast featuring this spectacular dish. The best ingredients come together in this loaded fried rice that will keep guests going back for more, spoon after spoon. Pork belly is an impressive cut, making it the ideal protein choice for this dish. Marinated in a mixture of Chinese five-spice, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey and chilli crisp, the flavours meld beautifully. Together with the scrambled egg, spring onion, prawns, peas and fragrant jasmine rice, it’s one bountiful bowl of goodness. Enjoy!
Recipe for Pork Belly & Prawn Fried Rice
Pork Mince & Prawn Potstickers
Potstickers are the ideal appetiser to get your dinner party started. Stuffed with pork, prawns and all the trimmings, these golden dumplings taste like ‘more’.
Savour each bite.
Neatly folded and loaded with goodness, dumplings are incredibly moreish. And these savoury treats are no different, thanks to the classic pork-and-prawn combo. Minced pork makes the potstickers incredibly juicy and umami-rich. The prawn lends a hint of sweetness, while the coriander makes it earthy. Add garlic, ginger and smoked paprika to the mix, and you’ve got a winning combination! Once the dumplings are stuffed, pan-fried until golden brown, steamed to perfection and crisped again, they’re ready for savouring. Dip into the salty, spicy and zingy ponzu sauce and savour each bite.
Recipe for Pork Mince & Prawn Potstickers
Korean BBQ Pork & Prawn Lettuce Cups
Vibrant, fresh and flavourful, these pork and prawn lettuce cups offer the perfect mouthful. Savoured alongside soju or crisp beer, they’re the ultimate savoury snack for entertaining friends.
The grilled prawns take this dish to the next level.
Inspired by the flavours of Korean barbecue, these pork and prawn lettuce cups (traditionally known as ‘ssam’) are everything and more. With beautifully balanced umami, smoky, spicy and sweet flavours, it’s a no-notes, ten-out-of-ten kind of meal that lingers long after the meal is over. Pork neck steaks are marinated with gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger and garlic for maximum flavour. Deliciously tender and versatile, this cut is great for Korean stews or braai mains. The grilled prawns take this dish to the next level. Baby gem lettuce leaves hold everything. Topped with cucumber, rainbow slaw and fresh mint leaves and drizzled with sauce, this is one delicious handheld bite. Make the most of this meal and serve it with fragrant jasmine rice and kimchi. Cheers!
Recipe for Korean BBQ Pork & Prawn Lettuce Cups
Pork Fillet & Prawn Pad Thai
One bite of this Thai classic will send your taste buds on a journey through the streets of Bangkok. From the silky noodles to the velvety pork and sweet prawn, it’s chef’s kiss!
The silky noodles are a slurp-worthy sensation.
Enjoyed by locals and loved by tourists, this iconic Thai dish contains all your favourite ingredients. Layered with sweet and savoury flavours, it’s a favourite for good reason! Rice noodles are coated with a tangy, savoury sauce thanks to the combination of tamarind concentrate, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and sambal oelek. For a satisfying, spicy kick and a good hit of heat, add chilli crisp. Pork fillet is used in this recipe. Sliced and seasoned with sesame oil, this lean cut is ideal for this flavourful dish. Together with the prawns, garlic, scrambled egg and spring onion, the silky noodles are a slurp-worthy sensation. Garnish with basil and crushed peanuts for a textural delight.
Recipe for Pork Fillet & Prawn Pad Thai
For more tasty inspiration, visit the links below and enjoy these pork-tastic recipes.
sapork.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
