Salt and Pepper Pork Chops
Salt and pepper pork chops are a popular Cantonese-style dish featuring bone-in pork chops that are marinated, coated in a light starch, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The dish gets its signature flavor from a generous toss in a fragrant mixture of toasted salt, white pepper, and often chili flakes, garlic, and scallions. It's a beloved staple in Chinese home cooking and casual restaurants, especially in Guangdong province and Hong Kong.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the pork and fat from the deep-frying process, with minimal carbohydrates unless a thick batter is used. A typical serving (about 150-200g) provides around 400-500 calories, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat. The seasoning blend adds sodium but no significant additional calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Zinc | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.8 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
Per 1 serving (approx. 200 g, including meat and coating) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish exemplifies the Cantonese cooking philosophy of using simple, bold seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of quality ingredients. Nutritionally, the quick high-heat frying method helps seal in the pork's juices, preserving more nutrients compared to prolonged boiling or stewing.
