Pork Ginger (Shoga Yaki)

Pork Ginger (Shoga Yaki)

Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking time: 10 min
Servings: 6

Pork Ginger or Shoga Yaki is a classic Japanese dish featuring tender slices of pork cooked in a savory and slightly sweet ginger sauce. This quick and delicious dish is often served with steamed rice, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. The name "Shoga Yaki" translates to "ginger-fried," highlighting the prominent use of ginger in the recipe, which adds a fresh, zesty flavor.

Shoga Yaki is a popular home-cooked dish in Japan, often enjoyed for its simplicity and rich flavors. The dish showcases the traditional Japanese stir-frying technique, combined with basic yet flavorful ingredients like soy sauce, sake, and ginger. It is commonly served in bento boxes and family meals, reflecting the everyday culinary practices of Japanese households.

Ingredients:

• 450 g pork cutlet, thinly sliced into ½-inch (1.25 cm) pieces
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1.5 tablespoons ginger, grated
• Optional: Sesame seeds and green onions or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pork:

   • Place flour in a shallow mixing bowl. Dredge the pork slices in the flour, coating evenly. Set aside on a plate.
     
     
     

2. Cook Pork:

   • Heat canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat for about 45 seconds.
   • Add the floured pork slices to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute on each side. Transfer pork to a plate.

3. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, honey, and grated ginger.
     
     
     

4. Finish Dish:

• Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet. Heat for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
• Return the pork to the skillet. Cook in the sauce for an additional 3 minutes or until the pork is done, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. 
  
  
  
5. Garnish (optional)
• Garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives. 
  
  
  

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Pork Ginger (Shoga Yaki) hot, preferably with steamed rice.

Notes:

• Adjust the honey and soy sauce amount according to your preference.
• Flour creates a light coating on the meat that helps to lock in moisture, preventing it from drying out during cooking. This ensures that the pork remains tender and juicy.
• Ensure the pork slices are thin and even for uniform cooking.
• Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the sauce and allow the pork to cook through evenly.
• Stirring occasionally helps to coat the pork evenly with the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.