Tahitian Pork

Tahitian Pork Recipe - Authentic Island Cuisine

Region / culture: Tahiti | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tahitian Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender pork with a sweet and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Tahitian Pork is a traditional dish from Tahiti, an island in the South Pacific. It is often served at family gatherings and celebrations, and is loved for its unique combination of flavors.

Ingredients

3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 lb (907 g) lean pork, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tbsp oil
1 can pineapple chunks (in its own juice)
0.33 cup cider vinegar
0.25 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp garlic salt
0.25 cup water
0.5 head cabbage, shredded

How to prepare

Combine 2 tbsp of cornstarch with soy sauce and toss with meat until all meat is coated. Brown the meat in hot oil and drain when done.
Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice. Add the reserved juice, vinegar, sugar, and garlic salt to the meat.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Dissolve the remaining 1 tbsp of cornstarch in water, then add it to the meat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
Add the pineapple and heat through.
Serve on a bed of cabbage.

Variations

Substitute pork with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for extra color and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to coat the pork in the cornstarch and soy sauce mixture thoroughly for a crispy texture.

- Be sure to brown the meat before simmering to lock in the flavors.

- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tahitian Pork over steamed rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before simmering helps to develop the flavors.

- Thickening the sauce with cornstarch creates a glossy and delicious coating for the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar if needed.

- Brown sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and marinate the meat ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tahitian Pork in a pineapple boat for a tropical touch, or garnish with chopped cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tahitian Pork with a side of coconut rice and a tropical fruit salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tahitian Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch.

Summary

Tahitian Pork is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Tahitian Pork is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on a small island in the South Pacific. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited a group of friends over for a dinner party. As she bustled around the kitchen, preparing a feast fit for royalty, I watched in awe.

One dish in particular caught my eye - a fragrant and delicious looking pork dish that she called Tahitian Pork. I was intrigued by the exotic flavors and spices she used, and I begged her to teach me how to make it. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed, and so began my journey into the world of Tahitian cuisine.

My grandmother explained that Tahitian Pork is a traditional dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations. It is made with tender chunks of pork that are marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other spices. The meat is then slow-cooked until it is meltingly tender and infused with all of the delicious flavors of the marinade.

The key to making the perfect Tahitian Pork, my grandmother told me, is in the marinade. Each ingredient must be carefully measured and mixed together in just the right proportions to create a harmonious blend of flavors. She showed me how to crush fresh garlic and ginger, how to measure out the soy sauce and spices, and how to marinate the pork for several hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

As the pork cooked slowly in the oven, filling the house with its tantalizing aroma, my grandmother taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking. She explained that good food takes time and care to prepare, and that the effort is always worth it in the end.

When the Tahitian Pork was finally ready, my grandmother served it up with a side of fragrant jasmine rice and a crisp green salad. The flavors were incredible - the pork was tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet, spicy and tangy. It was a dish that truly transported me to the tropical paradise of Tahiti, with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture.

Over the years, I have made Tahitian Pork many times, always remembering my grandmother's careful guidance and the love and passion she infused into every dish she created. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Tahitian cooking from generation to generation.

Today, as I prepare Tahitian Pork in my own kitchen, I can't help but feel a deep connection to my grandmother and the rich culinary heritage she passed down to me. The flavors and aromas of this dish never fail to bring back memories of that first magical evening when I discovered the joys of Tahitian cuisine.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Tahitian Pork, surrounded by loved ones and the familiar sounds of laughter and conversation, I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother bestowed upon me. Through this simple yet exquisite dish, I am able to keep her spirit alive and share a piece of my heritage with those I hold dear.

And so, as I take another bite of succulent pork, savoring the complex flavors and textures that dance on my tongue, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Tahitian Pork will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and legacy that my grandmother left behind.