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Wednesday 23 January 2013

Fuss free CNY recipes with AMC cookware : Roast Pork / Siew Yoke

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*The recipe in this post was updated on 11 August 2014*


I am "killing two birds with one stone" with this post - join Sonia's Chinese New Year blog event, and share about a range of cookware that has made my cooking XXX times easier! :)
 



You're probably saying "Chinese New Year and fuss free recipes DO NOT go together".

Well, with AMC cookware it does :)

Some of you may have heard of AMC - the international company that manufactures high quality, stainless steel cookware that seriously, last forever! Their products have been in Malaysia since my parents' generation; in fact I know my mum and many aunties who have high regard for AMC products and are still using the cookware until today. 

One of my church friend who is an elderly lady in her 60s told me many mothers used to give AMC cookware sets as marriage-giveaway presents to their daughters.


A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to test some recipes using the AMC Premium System - a range of cookware that is touted as the only system in the world that allows you to cook without added water and roast without added fat.  Using breakthrough technology, the AMC premium cookware range can cook healthy and delicious meals in just mere minutes.



Furthermore, the cooking can be done fully automatic, with the cookware being intelligent enough to regulate the internal heat, thus ensuring perfectly cooked meats and vegetables. 



The automatic heat monitor "Audiotherm"


"Audiotherm" in radio communication with the hotplate "Navigenio"
- providing full automatic cooking, with safety shut-off

The electric, portable hotplate called Navigenio can even be used upside down ontop of a AMC pot to grill or roast meat. This all means more nutritious meals, time saving, less electricity usage, less hassle (automatic cooking) and less washing up.


The Navigenio - portable electric hotplate

Wow. I took some time to digest all these lofty promises.

True or not?

Since Chinese New Year is just round the corner, what better time to test out some CNY recipes than now.  To start with, I picked a recipe that needs a long time to cook, is one of the messiest and oiliest, something that I have always wanted to make, but have always dreaded making.

It's Chinese Roast Pork aka Siew Yoke.

Yup, anyone who has made roast pork before will tell you the aftermath of cooking; ie the washing up.

The oily mess.  The greasy explosion.  Friends who have cooked this with their oven described the cleaning up as a nightmare.  I have a turbo broiler (sometimes referred to as a convection/fan force portable oven) which I thought was a god-send for messy roasting as the meat sits inside a monster size bowl and is covered by the heavy grill lid.  The oily splatter is then limited to just inside the bowl and the grill lid. 

But even then, lifting and washing the huge glass bowl is quite a task.  I am also quite picky with the cleanliness of my kitchen cookware, so I torture myself by meticulously wiping the bottom of the lid and grills.



Web picture of a turbo broiler



But with the AMC Navigenio, making the roast pork was A BREEZE
 
Now I could cook a gorgeous piece of roast pork (crispy crackling and juicy meat) within one hour, and all I need to wash are one medium size pot, one bowl and wipe a piece of glass. 

No need to clean an entire oven or even a chunky turbo broiler.  No need to scrub any wire rack or tray.  
 
Hallelujah!


Roast Pork / Siew Yoke with AMC Cookware

  • 1kg pork belly with skin (doesn't matter whether the skin is pricked or not)
  • Sea salt
  • Garlic pips
  • Five spice powder 

1.  Rinse the pork belly and pat VERY dry with kitchen towel (If you know the meat from your butcher is already clean enough, then it's better not to rinse).  Sprinkle five spice powder evenly on the meat side. 

2. Make several slits into the meat and insert the garlic pips in.  Apply sea salt liberally over the skin.  Place the meat on a tray and leave overnight in the fridge.  You can even leave it for 2 nights - I have found that this makes the roasting even better and the crackling more crispy.   

 
Prick the skin well and apply sea salt







3.  Half an hour before roasting, remove the meat from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. 
 
4.  To roast, you will need three pieces of the AMC cookware: a steamer pot, a bowl/pan at the bottom and the Navigenio hotplate.  Place the meat skin side down on the steamer and add some water in the bottom bowl to keep the meat moist.  It will also collect all the fat drippings from the steamer holes.  Turn the Navigenio upside down and cover the steamer pot.   


Place the meat inside the steamer, atop a bottom bowl or pan



Then cover the steamer pot with the Navi hotplate, turned upside down.



Fat drippings from the meat will drip through the steamer holes into the bottom bowl




6. Turn the knob to heat #3 and slowly roast it for 40-50min until the meat is nicely browned and tender.  Use a fork to gently poke the meat to test for doneness and tenderness.  (By this time your tummy will be growling due to the delicious aroma!).  

7.  Turn the meat to the skin side up and grill for a further 10 - 15min until the skin is crispy and sizzling.  Grill until the entire skin is all blistered and sizzling.  Switch off the hotplate, remove the meat onto a serving dish and let it sit for about 20min before carving.


Succulent meat and crispy skin









To say that I was impressed was an understatement.  Using the AMC Cookware to make siew yoke means:

1.  Cooking time is significantly reduced by half

2.  No messy oil splatter or major oven cleanup.  I poured away the fat drippings from the bottom bowl and wash it and the steamer as normal.  Wipe the Navi surface with a kitchen towel.  THAT'S IT!

3.  The pork skin was crispy and the meat juicy and succulent. 

Now instead of dreading to make roast pork, I am excited to make it, especially for Chinese New Year coming up.  The Navigenio hotplate is truly a superb gadget, so flexible and useful.  It is great for making char siu, grilled chicken, grill beef and lamb.  You can also use it to bake cakes and muffins.

In the next few posts I will share more successful recipes using the AMC Premium System.  For further information on AMC, their full range of cookware and how to purchase a suitable set, click HERE


I am submitting this post to Chinese New Year Delights 2013 hosted by Sonia aka Nasi Lemak Lover.

55 comments:

  1. Oh wow....and another wow again! I never never come across the special way to roast siew yoke! Yeap, this is really fuss free... I think Im gonna love tjis AMC cookware. Does it come in whole set? AMC should pay you for this good introduction to us. I think this doesnt come cheap either, right? I am really impressed of your post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, Mel, no, AMC did not pay me anything to write this post :) i did it because i really think its a great product, after using it to cook some recipes. Feel free to check out the links in the post to find out more.

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  2. Looks like it really save a lot of cleaning. Great gadget from AMC cookware.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vivian, yes the Navi hotplate really do make a huge difference to how i cook, from time needed to cook to washing up. Everything's like 1/3 of the time.

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  3. Did they give you the gadget in the end?

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    Replies
    1. Sharon, this is not a sponsored post; I did not receive any monetary or product incentives.

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  4. hi Esther, these sound like miracle pots! Now I wish I have a set. Think its pretty costly though.

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    1. Mich, AMC cookware are admittedly not cheap, but they are excellent quality, have lifetime guarantee and intelligent technology gadget to save cooking time and mess, so in the long run it is actually value for money.

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  5. My kids love Siew yoke but I kinda dread to make it at home myself. But with this fuss free Amc cookware, making it with little to no trouble looks super promising! Thanks for recommending this to us! Btw, thanks for dropping by my blog earlier. ;)) have a good day!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bee, yea, this really takes the fuss out of cooking siew yoke, quite amazing!

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  6. hi Esther, AMC is my mum favorite cookware. It is really a good kitchen helper.
    Your roasted siew yoke looks so delicious especially the crispy skin, yummyyyy!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esther, yes, AMC has been around since our parents' generation! I know many aunties vouch for their quality and durability - many even keep these sets as marriage-giveaway sets for their children. Now our generation are starting to discover and appreciate them again.

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  7. Hi Esther! Roast Pork Belly is one of my specialties! :P

    The AMC looks like an interesting addition to the kitchen but wife will be complaining about the storage space! :)

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    Replies
    1. Alvin, yea, haha it will take up valuable cabinet space, but totally worth it :)

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  8. You make making siew yoke sound so easy! It looks so good.

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    Replies
    1. It is very easy, Yen. I couldn't believe it at first either.

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  9. Hi Esther, very lucky with all these wonderful kitchen gadgets. Nice.

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    1. Kimmy, yes, they are really nifty gadgets to use. Put everything in, and let the technology cook for you AND notify you (the alarm wil ring when the food is cooked).

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  10. I love siew yoke and only 30 mins using AMC? Amazing!!

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    Replies
    1. Ann, 30minutes; minimal washing; perfect siew yoke. It is amazing haha.

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  11. Wow that's a really creative way of using the hot plate.... upside down!! My mum has use the same range of AMC for nearly 20 years (or something ridiculous like that) and they just last forever! Your siew yoke looks so perfect.

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    Replies
    1. Yea, AMC's been around since our parents' time, and yea, they last forever hahaha. I love the hotplate, so cool isnt it. I'm totally in love with it :P

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  12. Hi Esther,

    You make making siew yoke seems so easy... Where can we buy AMC Cookware? Online?

    Zoe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Zoe, AMC cookware are only available via authorised agents and distributors. They are not sold in department stores or online. For Australia sales, you can check out their website here http://www.amccookware.com.au/. They have contact numbers, though it is in NSW. Do give them a call and find out if they have distributors in Melbourne. Else, have a look at my link here, I might be able to help. http://amcfussfreecooking.blogspot.com/p/catalogue.html

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  13. Esther, what a nifty gadget! It has a very futuristic look too, like something out of Star Trek hee..hee...Now, where can I get this AMC thingy. How much is it? I cannot resist after looking at your siew yoke, been wanting to make siew yoke and now you make it sound so easy :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi PH, AMC cookware is only available via authorised distributors, not in department stores or online. You can find all the product info and prices at this link here: http://amcfussfreecooking.blogspot.com/

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  14. Hi Esther! My mom has a set of AMC cookware and she treasures them a lot because they were really expensive! I wish to own a set of these when I get my house in the future, will definitely keep your blog in mine!

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    Replies
    1. Jasline, congrats on your new house :). Is great that your mum is already using AMC, first hand experience of how useful and lasting they are. When you are settled in the new house, let me know and i can get you some useful info on the latest range of AMC cookware and even do a simple demo if you like.

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  15. Esther , who doesn't love siew yuk anyway ? :D Your siew yuk looks scrumptious ! That's one handy fuzz-free gadget ;D

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    Replies
    1. Hi Anne, yea, who doesn't love siew yoke?? :)). Yup, the Navi's great for grilling all meats, and even baking.

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  16. Hi Esther,
    Wow! That is a amazing and fuss free way of making Siew Yok.
    mui

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    Replies
    1. Doreen, it really is! Wait till i post the char siu recipe using the hotplate too!

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  17. wow, interesting cookware! And the roast pork looks crispy!

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  18. This is my first time stopping by and have to say I thought I'd head of every pot and pan out there. However I've never heard of AMC. It sounds like some heavy duty cookware and with many components. I will definitely read up on it.

    As for your pork, it looks very tender and juicy. Lucky you, hardly a mess to clean up. That's the best!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Vicki, yea, love the fact that there's so little washing up to do, and so easy too :) a huge plus point as this give me incentive to make this more often, roast pork is very expensive to buy nowadays.

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  19. wow, what a perfect roast pork you had up there! such a great kitchen gadget, i must read about that, never heard before :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alice, yea AMC does not do any advertising, its all purely by word of mouth, so many people may not have heard of them. Just check out the links in my post for more info.

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  20. I should have written a dowry list for Eric...not too late! hahha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not dowry anymore Li Ping, its called wife-appreciation present :)

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  21. i got a better idea now abt the hotplate that i was asking you earlier. Let me chk the link. Thanks a lot! Sounds very impressive!

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    Replies
    1. Lena, it is extremely useful :) let me know if you need any further info.

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  22. Hi Esther,

    May I know can this hot plate be use to make hot pot/steamboat?

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    Replies
    1. Pauline, you pointed out something that I've totally forgotten to mention, ha! Thanks dear. Yes, the navi hotplate is very popular for steamboat. Just plug it into a power socket, switch it on, and put a AMC pot on it to cook your steamboat. Use it just as you would use a normal portable gas cooker or induction cooker but it is much safer - no risk of explosion ( like gas cooker) or exposure to magnetic waves (induction cooker). The navi hotplate has a knob to adjust the heat level. I know many families bring the navi hotplate to Cameron Highlands to cook their own steamboat. This is perfect for a CNY steamboat too :)

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    2. Can I assume that also apply to older model of AMC product :p

      I got a set of AMC product including Atmosfera 4000 which I received as a marriage-giveaway presents from my mom (exactly like you mentioned). Hubby jokingly said there are my dowry.. hahha

      I plan to use Atmosfera for steamboat. Never heard my mom using it this way. So I just want to make sure it's safe. :)

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    3. Hi Pauline, how blessed you are to receive this from your mum :) My mum couldn't afford it when she was younger. Yes, you can certainly use the Atmosfera for steamboat. It is the older version of Navigenio, much slower in heating but function wise is almost the same. Just make sure you use an AMC pot on the atmosfera. Happy steamboating :)

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    4. Thank you!

      One more question :p

      Can I follow your recipe exactly or I might need to adjust accordingly since I'm using Atmosfera?

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    5. Yes, you need to adjust the cooking heat and time accordingly as the Atmosfera works at a gentler and lower heat, the buttons are also different. All the best and i hope it turns out totally yummy :)

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  23. I'm always better cookings set utensils made ​​of stainless-steel because it is good for health and do not take a quite a while in the preparing, and there are many types available on the market at great prices.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes you are right, there are some good brands of stainless steel cookware that are value for money,

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  24. Hi Esther, I recently bought an AMC cookware together with Navigenio. My mother in law gave us 2 pots 20 years as our wedding present like what you said but only thing is I'm the hubby and I am the chef! Absolutely love the AMC pots and when I saw the Navigenio, just bought it straight away and will try our siew yoke when it arrives. Can't wait! Thanks and are you in Australia?? TK

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, TK. I live in KL but we make regular "pilgrimage" to Australia :)) You'll love the navi, it is so versatile. I'm sure your siew yoke will turn out fabulous!

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    2. Hi Esther, thanks...if you are in Sydney, please drop me an email and bring you and your family around town. How does that sound?? You could cook your siew yoke for me too! Thank you for sharing your recipes. Much appreciated. TK

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  25. Hai Ester, just to double confirm with you whether we can use othe stainless steel pot or glassware pot on the atmosfera 4000to cook?

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  26. I really liked these gadgets from AMC! Now I want one of them or better all of them! They seem really to save much time and time is precious for me! And the food photos are so appetizing, mmm…..

    best stainless steel cookware

    ReplyDelete

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