Koe Loe Yuk
Deep-fried battered pork with sweet and sour sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Sweet and sour dishes are believed to have originated in the Jiangsu province of China, though the exact origins of Koe Loe Yuk are debated. Its popularity spread through Cantonese cuisine and eventually to Chinese restaurants worldwide, adapting to local tastes along the way.
Koe Loe Yuk is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants globally, often seen as an accessible entry point to Chinese cuisine for those unfamiliar with more complex flavors. It's a dish that's often shared among groups and is frequently found on banquet menus.
Family Style Dining
In many Chinese cultures, dishes like Koe Loe Yuk are served family style, meant to be shared amongst everyone at the table, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.
Celebratory Dish
Due to its appealing flavors and presentation, Koe Loe Yuk is often featured in celebratory meals and banquets, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
The defining flavors of Koe Loe Yuk are the contrasting yet complementary tastes of sweet and sour, creating a balanced and appealing dish.
The 'sweet' component typically comes from sugar, honey, or fruit juices like pineapple. The 'sour' element is derived from vinegar (often rice vinegar), lemon juice, or tamarind. These are combined with a rich, savory flavor from the deep-fried pork itself, which is usually marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Crispy Pork
To ensure the pork remains crispy, use a double-frying technique. Fry once at a lower temperature to cook the pork through, then again at a higher temperature to achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior. Lightly coat the pork in cornstarch or potato starch before frying.
Sauce Consistency
The sweet and sour sauce should be thick enough to coat the pork without being too gloppy. Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired consistency. Adding a small amount of ketchup can enhance the color and flavor of the sauce.
Vegetable Additions
Popular additions to the sweet and sour sauce include bell peppers, pineapple chunks, onions, and carrots. Briefly stir-fry these vegetables before adding the sauce to maintain their crispness.
Explore additional Wok dishes and restaurants
Explore WokDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Hilversum.
Explore HilversumLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Netherlands.
Explore Netherlands