Cola-Braised Pork Stew

Tuna sandwich for lunch, what was for dinner? I flipped through the The Bon Appetit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook and found the Cola-Braised Pork Stew. It only needed a few ingredients and very very little preparation. Perfect! I cut up the pork, and just left it on the stove to stew while I was playing on my computer and enjoying the wonderful aroma in the room.

Cola-Braised Pork Stew

Southerners often use cola as an ingredient, including as a braising liquid for pork ribs or shoulder. Here’s a quicker version of that traditional preparation; it simmers for about an hour and a half, but mostly unattended. The phosphoric acid in cola actually has a tenderizing effect on the meat, and the soda give deep flavor with just a touch of sweetness. Don’t use diet cola-the artificial sweetener distorts the flavor. Serve over steamed white rice.

RECIPE HERE

Cola is truly magical. It worked its magic and made the pork super tender. Dr. P absolutely loved this dish. I trimmed off all the fat on the pork so there was very little oil in the brasing sauce. The sauce was so delicious to pour over rice. I like the lean pork, but still think it would taste even better if I left all the fat on it. Just it wouldn’t be as “healthy”. The meat tasted even better the next day after it sat in the brasing sauce overnight.

Sauteed Cucumber and Red Pepper

I wanted to finish the leftover veggie from the tuna sandwich. Sauteed cucumber and red pepper with garlic and a little bit of soy sauce. Again, Dr. P didn’t like the veggie.

Onion Soup

Also cooked the leftover onion into a simple onion soup. This one Dr. P did liked.

Just like the cookbook’s name, the meal was fast, easy and fresh (and super delicious, too). I highly recommend the Cola-Braised Pork Stew recipe!

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May 4th, 2009 | Category: COOK | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL

S:
May 4th, 2009 at 7:56 pm

Hi Eileen,

I really like your blog because u always introduce good restaurants and good deals to us. I m going to LA on the end of May. My friends and me plan to go Universal studio, korean town and santa monica. Could you recommand some good and cheap restaurants to us? And also, what place do u think we must visit in LA (we only stay 3days/2nights). Thank you.

When you visit Universal Studio, you should try the buffet at Universal Hilton.
It’s not exactly cheap, about $40/person, but so worth it.
Korea Town I would recommend AYCE Hae Jang Chon Restaurant.
Santa Monica I recommend Riva. Just went there last Saturday, and it was super delicious.

Adrian & Elva:
May 6th, 2009 at 4:32 am

Love the site and I’ll try the cola and pork…if you want the best noodles in LA or Hollywood try Hoolywood BLVD and Kingsley (can’t remember the name of the place but voted best in LA a few times). It’s not in the “Hollywood” area so to speak…in fact it’s about 20 minutes walk from the Chinese Theatre…I used to live on Kinsley when I was station in Miramar.

Anyway it’s right at the corner in one of those little corner plaza type setups…get there before 7pm or you’ll have to wait for a bit…some of the best noodles I’ve ever had!

Are you talking about Sapp or Sanamluang?

Adrian & Elva:
May 6th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

I think is Sanamluang, i don’t remeber ….

O…k…. Thanks for the recommendation.
But I don’t know which restaurant you are recommending because you don’t remember the name nor the address.
Even after seeing the pictures, you still don’t remember.
Then I doubt if the food is really that good.
Obviously it’s not good enough for you to remember.

S:
May 8th, 2009 at 11:13 am

Thx, Eileen, I will go there to try. Thank you so much!

Go where? My house? To try the Cola Braised Pork? haha….

Adrian & Elva:
May 11th, 2009 at 12:43 am

Lol…didn’t see that the names were linked…it was Sanamluang. Worth the visit as well.

Thanks for the info.
I’ve been to Sanamluang. I like the noodle, but I still have other favorites in Thai Town.
I really like Ord Noodle. Maybe you can try that place, too.