If you’re craving a dish that’s a perfect harmony of crispy, juicy, tangy, and sweet, then you are absolutely going to love this Easy Crispy Thai Pork Bites with Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe. These bite-sized morsels pack a punch with their golden crust and juicy interior, all gloriously coated in a luscious sticky sweet chilli sauce that’s bursting with bold Thai flavors. It’s a quick, simple yet incredibly satisfying way to bring sunshine to your plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of authentic Thai flavor. Each component plays a vital role in balancing the texture, seasoning, and irresistibility of the dish.
- 600 g pork tenderloin: Tender and lean, ideal for quick frying and staying juicy inside.
- 1 tbsp fish sauce: Adds that essential umami depth and salty tang typical in Thai cuisine.
- 1 1/2 tbsp + 1/2 cup cornflour/cornstarch: Ensures a crisp, golden crust when fried.
- 1 cup neutral flavoured oil: For frying – use canola, sunflower, vegetable, or peanut oil for best results.
- 1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce: The signature sticky-sweet coating that brings all the flavors together.
- 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1 tbsp fish sauce: For the sticky sauce, reinforcing the savory notes.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated: Provides aromatic depth and delicious pungency.
- Coriander/cilantro leaves (optional): A fresh, herby garnish that adds freshness.
- Lime wedges (optional): For extra zing when serving.
- Jasmine rice or other rice: Perfect to serve alongside and soak up all that glorious sauce.
How to Make Easy Crispy Thai Pork Bites with Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pork
Begin by cutting your pork tenderloin into neat 2cm (about 0.8 inch) cubes. Toss these cubes with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce to infuse the meat with savory flavor. Then, coat the pork evenly in 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornflour. This initial dusting starts building the base for that incredible crispiness.
Step 2: Fry the Pork Bites
Heat your neutral-flavoured oil in a skillet or deep pan to about 180°C (350°F), ensuring you have approximately 0.5cm (0.2 inch) depth for shallow frying. Lightly coat the pork cubes again, this time with the remaining 1/2 cup of cornflour, to guarantee an ultra-crispy finish. Fry the pork in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden and crunchy, usually about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once cooked, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce
In a separate saucepan or skillet, mix the sweet chilli sauce with lime juice, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and finely grated garlic. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce is slightly thickened and fragrant. This sticky sauce is where all the magic happens – the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and garlicky.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Once all your pork bites are fried, toss them directly into the warm sticky chilli sauce. Stir quickly and thoroughly so each crispy bite is lovingly coated with that glossy, flavorful sauce. The residual heat helps the sauce cling beautifully without making the crunch soggy.
How to Serve Easy Crispy Thai Pork Bites with Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly torn coriander leaves scattered over the top add a herby brightness and pop of green color that complements the richness of the pork. A squeeze of fresh lime wedges amps up the dish with a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These pork bites pair wonderfully with steaming jasmine rice, which effortlessly soaks up all the sticky sauce. For a healthier or crunchier contrast, serve alongside a fresh Thai cucumber salad or crisp stir-fried greens like bok choy or kale. The balance between textures and flavors truly elevates the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider serving the pork bites skewered on small bamboo sticks or toothpicks, turning them into irresistible finger food. You can also pile the bites over coconut rice for a tropical twist or spoon over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage for added texture contrast. Presentation that excites the eyes always enhances the overall experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pork bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the pork and sauce separate to prevent the crispy coating from losing its crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork bites before saucing them. Lay them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat pork bites in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) on a wire rack to keep them from steaming and losing texture. Warm the sauce separately on the stove, then toss just before serving to maintain that perfect balance of crispy and sticky deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can substitute with pork shoulder cut into small cubes. Just be mindful it might need a slightly longer cooking time and may not be as tender.
Is fish sauce necessary? Can I substitute it?
Fish sauce is key for authentic Thai flavor, imparting umami and saltiness. If you prefer to avoid it, you could try soy sauce, but the flavor won’t be quite the same and the dish will lack that true Thai character.
How spicy is this dish?
The sweet chilli sauce used here adds a gentle warmth balanced by sweetness; it’s mild to medium spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding fresh chopped chillies or a dash of sriracha if you want to kick things up a notch.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just ensure the sweet chilli sauce and fish sauce you use are gluten-free (many brands are available). Also, double-check that your cornflour or cornstarch contains no additives.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral flavoured oils with a high smoke point like canola, sunflower, vegetable, or peanut oil work best here. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and a flavor that clashes with the Thai profile.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crispy Thai Pork Bites with Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe is such a joyful dish to prepare and devour. The addictive crispy texture combined with the tangy, sweet, and aromatic sauce will keep you coming back for more. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but special enough to impress anyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own new favorite!
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Easy Crispy Thai Pork Bites with Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This recipe features Easy Crispy Thai Pork Bites coated in a crunchy cornflour crust and tossed in a sticky, sweet chilli sauce with hints of lime and garlic. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, these pork bites pair wonderfully with jasmine rice and fresh coriander for an authentic Thai taste experience.
Ingredients
For the Pork Bites
- 600 g / 1.2 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 2cm (0.8″) cubes
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornflour / cornstarch
- Neutral flavored oil (canola, sunflower, vegetable, or peanut oil), 1 cup (0.5 cm / 0.2″ depth) for frying
For the Sticky Sweet Chilli Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
To Serve
- Coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly torn (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Jasmine rice or other rice of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed pork tenderloin with 1 tbsp fish sauce. Stir well to coat evenly and let marinate for about 5 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Coat the Pork: Add 1 1/2 tbsp cornflour to the marinated pork and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with a light layer of cornflour. This will help create a crispy crust when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 1 cup of neutral oil into a deep frying pan or wok with about 0.5 cm (0.2″) depth. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches around 180°C (350°F) or when a small piece of coating sizzles immediately.
- Fry the Pork Bites: Carefully add pork pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix together the sweet chilli sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and the finely grated garlic cloves until well combined.
- Toss Pork in Sauce: Place the fried pork bites in a large bowl and pour over the sticky sweet chilli sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the coated pork bites to a serving plate. Garnish with torn coriander/cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired. Serve hot with jasmine rice or your preferred rice.
Notes
- Note 1: Use pork tenderloin for tender, juicy bites. Other pork cuts may be tougher.
- Note 2: Fish sauce is a key ingredient that adds authentic umami flavor typical of Thai cuisine.
- Note 3: Sweet chilli sauce provides the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- For best results, use neutral oil suitable for frying rather than olive oil, which has a lower smoke point.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure the pork crisps nicely instead of steaming.
