Japanese pork patties

Sometimes, you just can't beat a parcel of porky-goodness.

(Which unfortunately does rather sound like an inappropriate euphemism. Sorry.)

Anyway, this simple recipe can be pulled together at the drop of a hat from two ingredients and a few cupboard staples.

Recipe

In a large bowl, mix:
1 tsp oil
1 pound ground pork
2 tbsp shichimi (Japanese 7 spice powder)*
Form the meat into small patties.

Make the dipping sauce by combining:
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Heat a heavy fry pan or skillet, add oil. Sprinkle coarse salt on both sides of the patties and cook until dark brown and crispy on both sides (8-10 minutes in total).

Wrap patties in lettuce leaves, and serve with dipping sauce.

* Available in Asian shops, or make your own shichimi powder using the instructions in the recipe for mushroom and tofu udon soup.

Serves: 4
Preparation and cooking time: 12 minutes