Pork Strips Pilaf in Oriental Style

Oriental Style Pork Strips Pilaf

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Today, I present to you a delicious and captivating recipe for pilaf with strips of pork in oriental style, a perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of culinary adventure to your kitchen. Pilafs have a long-standing tradition and are among the most versatile dishes, easily adapting to available ingredients and personal preferences.

Ingredients for Marinade:

- 300 grams pork tenderloin, cut into strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Pilaf:

- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 275 grams rice (you can use a mix of white and wild rice for an interesting texture)
- 400 grams leeks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ensure all ingredients combine well.

2. Marinating the Meat:
Add the pork strips to the marinade, mixing well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat well.

3. Preparing the Pilaf:
In a pot, dissolve the vegetable stock cube in 600 ml of hot water. This will be the base for the pilaf. Once the broth is ready, in a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

4. Cooking the Rice:
Add the rice to the skillet, mixing it well with the onion. Continue to cook for one minute, then pour in the previously prepared broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender.

5. Cooking the Meat:
Meanwhile, in another skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add the marinated pork strips and cook over high heat for 5 minutes, turning them on all sides to brown evenly. Add the leeks and red bell pepper, continuing to sauté everything for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

6. Assembling the Dish:
Once the rice is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Then, using a fork, fluff it to aerate. Serve the pork and vegetables over the pilaf, ensuring a colorful and appetizing meal.

Serving Suggestions:
This pilaf with pork strips is perfect for a family dinner or a special lunch. You can serve it alongside a fresh green salad to add a crunchy contrast and a note of freshness. Additionally, a Greek yogurt with mint or a cucumber salad with lemon would perfectly complement this dish.

Variations and Tips:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the pork tenderloin with chicken or turkey. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to diversify the dish. Instead of white rice, you can use brown rice for a healthier option.

Nutritional Information:
This recipe offers a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The pork strips provide a considerable amount of protein, while the rice supplies energy through carbohydrates. The vegetables add essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A serving of this pilaf will provide you with approximately 500 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- What other spices can I add? You can experiment with turmeric or saffron for a unique flavor.
- How can I make the recipe spicier? Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.

This recipe for pilaf with strips of pork in oriental style is not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to enjoy cooking and explore new flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!