You get lots of savory-sweet-spicy flavors in these skewered morsels. If you need and assist with cutting the pork or skewering, watch the video in the main article.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 ¼poundsboneless pork shoulder/butt(see Note)
Fine sea salt
Scant ¼ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
½teaspoongarlic powder
2teaspoonssoy sauce
1 ½tablespoonshoney(amber colored preferred)
2teaspoonsketchup
1 to 1 ½tablespoonshoisin sauce(use maximum for bold flavor; see Note)
White or black pepper
1tablespoonneutral oil(such as canola or peanut; optional, plus more as needed for brushing)
Instructions
If using bamboo skewers, soak 6 (10-inch) long skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the pork into strips, each about 1 inch wide, 2 to 3 inches long and ¼ inch thick. Put into a medium bowl.
In a small bowl combine ¼ salt with the five spice, garlic, soy sauce, honey, ketchup and hoisin sauce. Taste to make sure there is a balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. Adjust with a dash of soy sauce, or honey, ketchup, or hoisin by the ½ teaspoon. You may want to add a pinch of five spice or garlic powder. If zingy finish is needed, add 2 or 3 grinds of pepper. For extra lusciousness, add the 1 tablespoons oil to the seasonings.
Pour the seasonings over the pork. Stir or better yet, massage the seasonings to coat each piece of pork. Thread the pork onto the skewers then brush with oil.
Heat a grill or prepare a charcoal fire to medium-high. (Or, use a stovetop cast-iron grill pan heated over medium-high heat) Lightly oil the grates. When the grill or pan is hot enough, grill the pork for 8 to 12 minutes, turning frequently, until lightly charred and cooked through. (Nick a piece to check doneness.) Transfer the skewers to a plate and serve immediately.
Notes
Starting from bone-in pork shoulder? You'll need about 1 ⅔ pounds to net 1 ¼ pounds of boneless pork. If hoisin sauce is unavailable mix together: 1 tablespoon aka (red) miso, 1 teaspoon honey, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Instead of the scant ¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder, use a full ¼ teaspoon of the spice blend.For a nutty note, add 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil to the marinade and back off the neutral oil, if you're using it. Want a lovely DIY Chinese five-spice powder?Make your own with this recipe!