Today, we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a dish that promises to enchant and delight. This creation was part of our Wonka-inspired menu for the ALS In Wonderland Foundation’s 10th Annual Soirée, themed “A World of Pure Imagination.”
The Reveal: A Culinary Surprise on THV 11’s The Vine
Recently, Chef Serge Krikorian had the pleasure of appearing on THV 11’s The Vine, alongside host Adam Bledsoe and ALS In Wonderland founder Lara Blume McGee. In this segment, Chef Serge unveiled a whimsical dish that perfectly captures the magic and creativity of the Willy Wonka theme: Sticky Pork on Blueberry Sushi Rice.
This dish was inspired by the iconic blueberry gum scene from the movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Imagine succulent pieces of pork belly, caramelized to perfection and paired with the subtle sweetness of blueberry-infused sushi rice. It’s a flavor experience that promises to be as memorable as the event itself.
The Event: ALS In Wonderland Foundation’s 10th Annual Soirée
Date: May 23, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Junior League of Little Rock
Learn More: http://www.alsinwonderland.com/
This soirée was more than just a night of fantastic food; it was a fashion show extravaganza aimed at raising funds for the ALS In Wonderland Foundation. Founded by Lara Blume McGee in memory of her father, the foundation supports ALS patients and their families in Arkansas through various programs and services.
“We had an amazing time on The Vine, sharing a glimpse of the culinary delights we’re preparing for the ALS Soiree,” said Chef Serge. “Our Wonka-inspired menu is crafted to bring whimsy and wonder to the evening, perfectly aligning with the event’s theme of ‘A World of Pure Imagination.’ We’re thrilled to support the ALS In Wonderland Foundation and their incredible work.”
Sticky Pork on Blueberry Sushi Rice Recipe
Here’s how you can recreate this magical dish at home. Perfect for a sit-down dinner or as hors d’oeuvres, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a world of pure imagination.
Ingredients
For the pork:
– 2 lbs rindless pork belly slices (cut into pieces the length of your index finger)
– 1 qt. chicken stock
– 1 tbsp ginger puree
– 5 cloves garlic (peeled and roughly chopped)
– 1 tbsp rice wine
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 2 bay leaves
For the sauce:
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
– 1 pinch salt and pepper
– 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and minced)
– 1 red chili (finely chopped)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
– 1 tsp lemongrass paste
– Chopped spring onions
– Chopped red chilies
For the blueberry sushi rice:
– 2 cups sushi rice
– 2 1/2 cups water
– 1/2 cup blueberry juice
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp salt
Asian Slaw:
– 1 lb chopped slaw mix
– 1.25 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1.25 cups green onion, chopped
– 5 tbsp Asian Slaw Dressing (recipe below)
For the dressing:
– 1.5 tbsp olive oil
– 1.5 tbsp grapeseed oil
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 3 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp minced garlic
– 1 tsp minced ginger or ginger puree
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- Prepare the Pork:
– In a heavy-based pan or cast iron casserole, add the pork belly slices, chicken stock, ginger puree, garlic, rice wine, sugar, and bay leaves.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
– After 2 hours, remove the pork belly from the pan and pat dry. Chop into bite-sized chunks.
- Make the Sauce:
– Mix together 1 tbsp vegetable oil, salt, pepper, minced ginger, chopped red chili, honey, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and lemongrass paste.
- Cook the Pork:
– Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
– Fry the pork pieces until golden and crispy. Return all pork to the pan and pour the sauce over, cooking until the pork becomes dark and sticky.
- Prepare the Blueberry Sushi Rice:
– Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and blueberry juice in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
– Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and fold into the cooked rice. Let cool.
- Make the Asian Slaw:
– Mix all dressing ingredients. Toss with slaw mix, cilantro, and green onion.
- Serve:
– For a elegant dinner, serve the sticky pork over a bed of blueberry sushi rice with a side of Asian slaw.
– For hors d’oeuvres, place a small portion of sticky pork on individual rice balls, garnished with chopped spring onions and red chilies.
We hope you enjoy this whimsical and delicious dish as much as we do. If you’re planning an event and want to bring a touch of imagination and culinary excellence to your table, consider Vibrant Occasions Catering. Contact us at mary@vibrantoccasionscatering.com to discuss your catering needs.
We were glad to see everyone at the ALS In Wonderland Soirée and will be looking forward to sharing more culinary delights with you in the future!
Recent Comments