Chinese Pork Salad

Chinese Pork Salad Recipe - Authentic Taste of China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Pork Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender pork strips with crisp vegetables and a flavorful sauce. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Chinese Pork Salad is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its combination of savory pork, crunchy vegetables, and tangy sauce. This recipe has been enjoyed for generations in China and has since become a favorite in many other parts of the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pork strips (loin eye, stir-fry, or fillet)
0.5 cup Oriental stir-fry sauce or (4.75 tbsp oyster sauce)
0.5 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 x 10 oz (283 g) packages frozen pea pods, thawed and drained
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 x 3 oz (85 g) can chow mein noodles

How to prepare

Marinate the pork strips in the sauce for 30 minutes.
In a large non-stick skillet, stir-fry the pork and onion over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients together. Serve warm, either plain or with other side dishes.

Variations

Add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the pork strips for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the pork from sticking to the pan.

- Be sure to drain the pea pods and mandarin oranges thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chinese Pork Salad on a bed of lettuce or with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the pork and onion over medium-high heat to ensure that the pork is cooked through but still tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute oyster sauce with soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the pork strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chinese Pork Salad with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a complete Chinese meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

This Chinese Pork Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Pork Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, this salad is a great option for a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Chinese-inspired dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lily, who had recently returned from a trip to China. She excitedly showed me her photo albums and shared stories of her adventures, but what caught my eye was the delicious-looking dish she had prepared for us to enjoy.

Lily explained that the dish was called Chinese Pork Salad, and it was a traditional recipe she had learned during her travels. The combination of tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and savory dressing was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. As I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged Lily to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. She showed me how to marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then how to stir-fry it until it was perfectly cooked. Next, she demonstrated how to julienne the vegetables and make the tangy dressing that tied everything together.

As I watched Lily work, I couldn't help but marvel at the way she effortlessly moved around the kitchen, her hands dancing with precision and grace. It was clear that she had a deep love and respect for cooking, and I was inspired to follow in her footsteps.

After our meal, I thanked Lily for sharing her recipe with me and promised to practice it at home. Over the next few weeks, I made Chinese Pork Salad countless times, tweaking the ingredients and techniques until it was just right. Each time I served it to my family and friends, they raved about how delicious it was, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned to make such a special dish.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, seeking out new recipes and techniques to add to my repertoire. I collected cookbooks from around the world, attended cooking classes, and even hosted my own dinner parties to showcase my creations.

One day, while browsing through an old cookbook that had belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Chinese Pork Salad. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I realized that it was nearly identical to the one Lily had taught me all those years ago.

I felt a rush of nostalgia as memories of that summer day flooded back to me. I remembered the laughter we shared, the aromas wafting through the kitchen, and the joy of discovering a new culinary masterpiece. It was then that I understood the true power of food – not just to nourish our bodies, but to connect us to our past and to the people we love.

I decided to make Chinese Pork Salad for my family that night, using the recipe from my grandmother's cookbook. As we sat down to eat, I shared the story of how I had learned to make the dish and the special memories it held for me. My family listened intently, their eyes shining with appreciation and love.

In that moment, I realized that cooking wasn't just a hobby or a skill – it was a way to connect with my heritage, my friends, and my family. It was a way to preserve the traditions and stories that had been passed down to me, and to create new memories that would be cherished for years to come.

So now, whenever I make Chinese Pork Salad, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of adventure. I think of Lily and the amazing journey she took me on, and I think of my grandmother and the legacy she left behind. And as I take that first bite of tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing, I am filled with a sense of wonder – wondering what new culinary delights and cherished memories await me in the future.