What is the name (in Chinese) of the utensil that is used to prick lots of tiny holes in pork skin to make it very crispy?
I have seen people mentioning this and I've heard it's available in Chinatown in NY or in Hong Kong but I can't find it listed anywhere for sale online. I think this is because I don't know the term for it so if anyone can help with a name or a link it would be much appreciated. NB: I have tried a German meat tenderiser that looks similar but it's not sharp enough. The thing I'm looking for is wooden and has lots of very sharp pins coming out the botton
Best Answer
The answer to the question is "Chap Zai".
The name for Chinese Crispy Roast Pork is "sio bak" by the way
talon8 - I bought a tenderizer from Amazon exactly like the one you posted but the pins were not sharp enough to make the required number of tiny holes - and therefore the skin on the pork belly did not get that crystalised look where the fat has flowed out through the skin. My best result was by using a sharp knife but this took a long time.
Anyway - long story short, I got this by emailing a number of Chinese supermarkets (was never listed on their website shops) and they told me the name. Would be good if anyone can verify this name...
Pictures about "What is the name (in Chinese) of the utensil that is used to prick lots of tiny holes in pork skin to make it very crispy?"
What do you prick pork belly with?
Flip pork belly, skin side up, and poke all over with a the tip of a paring knife, skewer, toothpicks, etc., being sure not to poke any holes too far beyond the skin. You want holes that only just break the skin.How do you make Chinese pork belly crispy?
Brush the rice wine vinegar on top of the pork skin. Pack the sea salt in one even layer over the skin, so the pork is completely covered. Place in the oven and roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If your pork belly still has the rib attached, roast for 1 hour and 45 minutes.How do you make crispy pork skin?
(24cm piece of pork rind, (500g) scored) rind-side up onto a rack over a shallow baking dish. Brush well with oil (2 tbsp olive oil). Sprinkle generously with salt (2-3 tsp sea salt or table salt). Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until small bubbles form on surface and rind is golden and crisp.How do you poke pork belly skin?
Use a sharp knife with a very pointed edge and just start poking the ENTIRE surface of the skin. Poke as many holes as you can; the more the better. Yes, it's tedious but your hard work will pay off! Poke just enough to puncture the skin, but not the meat.How to Make CRISPY ROAST PORK BELLY! SHOCKINGLY EASY RECIPE!
More answers regarding what is the name (in Chinese) of the utensil that is used to prick lots of tiny holes in pork skin to make it very crispy?
Answer 2
I'm not sure about the Chinese name for the tool, but what you might be looking for is often called a "jaccard".
Answer 3
Do you have a Chinatown where you're from? Generally, when I go to buy rudimentary Chinese tools, I go to places where they don't understand the concept of "online". :-P Maybe that's just around here. Though seriously, I think going to your local stores is probably your best bet. Maybe print off a picture and bring it to show them.
Anyhow, assuming I'm thinking of the same thing you are, unfortunately, I don't think it really has much of a formal english name. It's essentially a "Roast Pork poker" or "Siu Yuk Poker". I've also seen it referred to as a "Pork Skin Pricking tool". :-) See a picture here. Also here.
That said, I don't think you necessarily need one of these. My uncle makes a really awesome roast pork and I'm pretty sure he used a knife... I'd have to contact him to find out exactly how though.
Edit: I did some more digging, found this. It seems nobody knows what it's called... But there's another picture and lots of useful discussion in the comments. Then... there's a comment that suggests Amazon. If you just search for meat tenderizer there, there are numerous styles including, the western versions as well as one that looks much like the chinese version.
Answer 4
I found this on Amazon. It looks like the real deal around $6 + $5 for shipping. Might be able to find it in an Asian supermarket also.
Answer 5
I know this thread is old but maybe someone will come accross it in the future, looking for the same.
What you're looking for can be found on AliExpress.com for under $3, shipping included. Just enter "meat tenderizer needles" in the search and you'll find it (a few versions exist but the principle is the same each time).
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Artem Podrez, Dayvison de Oliveira Silva, Pixabay, Rene Asmussen