Embark on a culinary adventure to Cambodia, where vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage converge in every bite. Among the gems of Cambodian cuisine is Cha Chrouk Char, a tantalizing dish that captures the essence of traditional Khmer cooking. This beloved dish features tender marinated pork stir-fried to perfection, infused with aromatic spices and served alongside fragrant jasmine rice. With its balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, Cha Chrouk Char offers a delightful sensory experience that embodies the heart and soul of Cambodian gastronomy. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this beloved recipe, celebrating the flavors and traditions of Cambodia's culinary landscape.

Ingredients:

• 500g pork loin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Cooked jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions:

1- Marinate the pork: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3- Add the crushed black peppercorns to the skillet and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.

4- Add the marinated pork to the skillet, spreading it out into an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the pork to sear and develop a golden crust.

5- Once the pork is browned on one side, stir-fry it for another 2-3 minutes until it's cooked through and no longer pink.

6- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

7- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar if needed, according to your preference.

8- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Cha Chrouk Char to a serving platter.

9- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Enjoy your delicious Cambodian Cha Chrouk Char, savoring the harmonious blend of ginger, garlic, and black pepper flavors!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cambodian Cha Chrouk Char recipe:

Pork Loin (500g):

• Calories: 1000 kcal
• Protein: 90g
• Fat: 70g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc, which support muscle growth, repair, and overall health.

Vegetable Oil (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Fat: 42g

benefits: Provides healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain function, heart health, and nutrient absorption.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g

benefits: Contains compounds like allicin, which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supporting immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Ginger (2 tablespoons, minced):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, ginger also contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.

Black Peppercorns (1 tablespoon, crushed):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits: Packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds, black pepper aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds flavor and depth to dishes while providing small amounts of protein and minerals like iron and calcium.

Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits: Contains protein and essential amino acids, adds savory flavor (umami) to dishes, and may have potential health benefits due to its antioxidant content.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Adds a salty and savory flavor to dishes, while also providing protein and essential nutrients like iodine, which supports thyroid function.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 48 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits: Provides quick energy, but should be consumed in moderation as excessive sugar intake can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, onions support immune function, heart health, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Bell Pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: A good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, bell peppers support immune function, eye health, and digestion.

Fresh Cilantro (optional garnish):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with potential benefits for digestion, heart health, and detoxification.

Cooked Jasmine Rice (to serve):

• Calories: 205 kcal per 1 cup (cooked)
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: A staple carbohydrate source, jasmine rice provides energy, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and vitality.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and ingredient substitutions.