Zhu Pa Bao (Macau Pork Chop Bun)
Local name: 豬扒包
In short: A thin, pan-fried pork chop marinated in soy and white pepper, tucked into a crusty roll. Macau's best-known street food sandwich. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
The pork chop bun is sold at counters across Macau and eaten as a fast lunch or late snack. A thin pork chop is tenderized, marinated with soy sauce, pepper and a little garlic, then pan-fried until the edges brown. It goes into a crusty Portuguese-style roll that is toasted until crisp outside and soft within. There is no sauce, and no need for one, since the juices soak into the bread.
Instructions
- Place each chop between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about 1 cm (1/2 in) thick.
- Mix the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, garlic and pepper. Add the chops, turn to coat and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chops lightly dry and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until well browned. The center should reach at least 63°C (145°F). Rest for 3 minutes.
- Split the rolls and toast them cut side down in a dry pan or the oven for 2 minutes until crisp.
- Place a chop in each roll and serve at once while hot.
Tips
- Choose rolls with a crisp crust and a soft crumb, similar to a Portuguese-style roll. A baguette cut into lengths also works.
- For a lighter bite, trim the chops of excess fat. A little mild mustard is a popular modern add-on, though not traditional.
Questions and answers
What cut of pork is best for a pork chop bun?
Boneless loin chops, about 1.5 cm thick, pounded thin. Pork shoulder steaks also work and are juicier.
Can I prepare the chops ahead?
Yes. Marinate them for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. Cook and assemble just before eating.
Is there a sauce on a Macau pork chop bun?
Not usually. The soy marinade flavors the meat, and some people add a little mustard or a drizzle of chili sauce.
How long does it take to make Zhu Pa Bao (Macau Pork Chop Bun)?
About 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Zhu Pa Bao (Macau Pork Chop Bun)?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 51 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
