Spare Rib King or Pai Gu Wang

User profile image
Tham Jessica (@jessieinthekitchen)

This recipe is a delightful combination of crispy fried pork tenderloin coated in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce. The pork is marinated and fried to perfection, then tossed in a tangy sauce that balances sweetness and spice. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is...

Spare Rib King or Pai Gu Wang  recipe
Prep Time
40min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = Approximately 200g of cooked pork tenderloin with sauce)

Fried Pork Tenderloin

  • pork tenderloin
    pork tenderloin
    800g
  • oyster sauce
    oyster sauce
    2tbsp
  • light soy sauce
    light soy sauce
    1tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine
    Shaoxing wine
    1tbsp
  • white pepper
    white pepper
    1/2tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tsp
  • potato starch
    potato starch
    2tbsp
  • egg egg
    egg egg
    1
  • oil for frying
    oil for frying

Sweet and Sour Sauce

  • tomato sauce
    tomato sauce
    2tbsp
  • chilli sauce
    chilli sauce
    2tbsp
  • Thai chilli sauce
    Thai chilli sauce
    2tbsp
  • HP sauce
    HP sauce
    1tbsp
  • water
    water
    3tbsp
  • salt and sugar to taste
    salt and sugar to taste
  • sesame
    sesame

How to make Spare Rib King or Pai Gu Wang

Preparing the Pork

  1. Step 1

    Loosen up the pork tendon with a meat hammer, then cut into bite-size pieces.

  2. Step 2

    Put the cut-size pork and the marinated ingredients except the egg and the starch into a pan. Stir and mix it well, then let it sit aside for about 30 minutes.

Frying the Pork

  1. Step 1

    Add the egg and starch to the marinated pork. Heat the oil up in a wok and deep-fry till golden brown. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok.

  2. Step 2

    After draining, set aside. Wait until the oil reaches the temperature once more, then put back the fried pork and let it fry for another 1 to 2 minutes to make it extra crispy.

Making the Sauce and Combining

  1. Step 1

    Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Pour the sauce ingredients into a wok and cook until it is just about to boil. Adjust salt and sugar to your preference.

  2. Step 2

    Add the fried pork to the sauce and swirl well over high heat quickly to ensure that the pork is evenly coated. Sprinkle some sesame on top before serving.

    Step 3.1: Add the fried pork to the sauce and swirl well over high heat quickly to ensure that the pork is evenly coated

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

300.0kcal (15%)

Protein

37.5g (75%)

Carbs

25.0g (9.09%)

Sugars

10.0g (20%)

Healthy Fat

6.4g

Unhealthy Fat

5.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.

  2. Fry the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

  3. Taste the sauce before adding the pork and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

  4. For extra crunch, double-fry the pork as instructed.

FAQS

  1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?

    Yes, you can substitute pork tenderloin with chicken breast or thighs for a similar result.

  2. What is Shaoxing wine, and can I replace it?

    Shaoxing wine is a Chinese cooking wine that adds depth to the flavor. You can replace it with dry sherry or omit it if unavailable.

  3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

    To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other sauces are gluten-free.

  4. How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan to maintain the crispy texture.

  5. Can I bake the pork instead of frying?

    While frying gives the best texture, you can bake the pork at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy as a healthier alternative.

Loading reviews...

jessieinthekitchen's profile picture
instagram

Tham Jessica

(@jessieinthekitchen)

I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia