Peking Pork Pasta Salad

Peking Pork Pasta Salad Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Peking Pork Pasta Salad is a delicious and unique dish that combines the flavors of tender pork, savory oriental dressing, and fresh spinach with pasta. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Peking Pork Pasta Salad is a fusion dish that combines elements of Chinese and Italian cuisine. The use of pork in Chinese cooking dates back thousands of years, while pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine. By combining these two ingredients with an oriental dressing, this recipe creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) boneless pork, cut into 0.25-inch cubes
1 tsp vegetable oil
oriental dressing (recipe below)
6 oz (170 g) corkscrew or other small shaped pasta, cooked and drained
1 lb (454 g) fresh spinach leaves, washed and drained

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat and stir-fry the pork until lightly browned.
Toss the pork strips with oriental dressing (4 tbsp each of soy sauce and sherry and 1 tsp of sesame oil) and set aside.
Toss the pasta with spinach and top with the pork.
Garnish with chopped green onion and almond slices, if desired.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different flavor.
Add in other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for added crunch and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the pork into small cubes to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Stir-fry the pork over high heat to achieve a nice sear and lock in the juices.

- Toss the cooked pasta with the spinach while it is still warm to help wilt the spinach slightly.

- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and almond slices for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Peking Pork Pasta Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the pork over high heat helps to lock in the juices and create a nice sear.

- Tossing the warm pasta with the spinach helps to slightly wilt the spinach and infuse it with flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or bowtie pasta.

- Substitute baby kale or arugula for the spinach if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can cook the pasta and prepare the oriental dressing ahead of time to save time when assembling the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Peking Pork Pasta Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or additional almond slices for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Peking Pork Pasta Salad with a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peking Pork Pasta Salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peking Pork Pasta Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peking Pork Pasta Salad contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Peking Pork Pasta Salad contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Peking Pork Pasta Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Peking Pork Pasta Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Peking Pork Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of tender pork, savory oriental dressing, and fresh spinach with pasta. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Peking Pork Pasta Salad. It was many years ago, when I was visiting a friend in the bustling city of Beijing. My friend, Mei Ling, was an incredible cook and she invited me over to her home for a meal. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of spices and herbs.

Mei Ling was busy chopping vegetables and marinating meat, and she explained to me that she was making a traditional Peking pork dish with a modern twist - adding pasta to the mix. I watched in awe as she expertly seasoned the meat and cooked it to perfection, then tossed it with the freshly cooked pasta and a tangy dressing.

As I sat down to eat the dish, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender pork, the al dente pasta, the crunchy vegetables, and the savory dressing all came together in perfect harmony. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Mei Ling graciously shared her recipe with me, along with some secret tips and tricks to make it even more delicious. She told me that the key to a good Peking pork dish lies in the marinade - a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. She also advised me to use a high-quality cut of pork and to cook it over high heat to get that perfect caramelization.

I returned home with the recipe in hand and immediately set to work recreating Mei Ling's masterpiece in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients, marinated the pork, cooked the pasta, and tossed everything together with the dressing. The result was just as delicious as the dish I had eaten in Beijing.

Over the years, I have made this Peking Pork Pasta Salad countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It has become one of my signature dishes, and I take great pride in sharing it with others. Each time I make it, I think back to that day in Mei Ling's kitchen and feel grateful for her generosity in teaching me the recipe.

I have also had the opportunity to pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, who now enjoy making it themselves. It warms my heart to see them cooking in the kitchen, just as I did when I first learned how to make Peking Pork Pasta Salad.

In a way, this dish has become a symbol of the connections we make through food - the sharing of recipes, the passing down of traditions, and the creation of memories. It has brought me closer to my friends, my family, and even strangers who have tasted it at potlucks and gatherings.

As I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people who have enjoyed my Peking Pork Pasta Salad over the years. It truly is a dish that brings people together, and I am grateful to Mei Ling for introducing me to it all those years ago.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a crowd-pleasing recipe that is sure to impress, look no further than Peking Pork Pasta Salad. Just remember to savor each bite, and to appreciate the stories and connections that food can bring into your life. Happy cooking!