Pork Cantonese Salad

Pork Cantonese Salad Recipe from China | Delicious and Healthy

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

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

History

The origins of Pork Cantonese Salad can be traced back to Cantonese cuisine, which is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This salad is a modern twist on traditional Cantonese dishes, incorporating Western ingredients like mayonnaise and chow mein noodles.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rice, cooled
3 cups cold cooked pork roast, cut into long strips 0.25 inch wide
2 cups diagonally-sliced celery
2 cups fresh bean sprouts*
1 8 oz (227 g) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 6 oz (170 g) can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
0.5 cup sliced green onions
0.25 cup chopped pimentos
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp dry mustard
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 5 oz (142 g) can chow mein noodles

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, pork, celery, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and onions.
In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, soy sauce, ginger, mustard, garlic powder, and pepper.
Stir the sauce into the rice mixture and toss lightly.
Chill the dish.
Serve topped with chow mein noodles.

Variations

Add shrimp or chicken instead of pork for a different protein option.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for added color and flavor.
Substitute the mayonnaise with a light vinaigrette dressing for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool completely before assembling the salad.

- For best results, use leftover cooked pork roast for this recipe. You can also use chicken or tofu as a substitute.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or ingredients to the salad, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peanuts, to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Cantonese Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before using it in the salad.

- Cut the pork roast into thin strips to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use leftover cooked chicken or tofu instead of pork for a different protein option.

- Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette dressing for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Pork Cantonese Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble the salad without the chow mein noodles and add them just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pork Cantonese Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, topped with a generous amount of chow mein noodles for added crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pork Cantonese Salad with a light and refreshing beverage such as green tea or a crisp white wine. For a complete meal, serve it with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pork Cantonese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

Vitamin C: 10%

Calcium: 4%

Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains: Soy, Wheat

Summary

Pork Cantonese Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pork Cantonese Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This salad is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile and delicious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day, the sun beating down on my back as I rummaged through an old chest of recipes that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I sifted through yellowed and tattered pieces of paper, I came across a faded index card with the words "Pork Cantonese Salad" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the fragile card and read the ingredients and instructions written in my great-grandmother's delicate handwriting. The recipe called for tender strips of pork marinated in a savory soy sauce, mixed with crisp vegetables and tossed in a tangy dressing made with sesame oil and rice vinegar. It sounded like a refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for a hot summer day.

I had always been fascinated by my great-grandmother's recipes, each one a piece of culinary history passed down through generations. She had learned to cook from her own mother, who had learned from hers, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that had been woven into the fabric of our family.

As I read through the recipe for Pork Cantonese Salad, I could almost picture my great-grandmother in her kitchen, deftly chopping vegetables and marinating meat, her hands moving with practiced precision. I could almost smell the fragrant aromas wafting from her stove, mingling with the laughter and chatter of family gathered around the table.

I knew that I had to try making this dish, to taste a piece of my family's history and connect with my culinary roots. So, armed with the recipe card and a sense of determination, I set out to gather the ingredients and prepare the Pork Cantonese Salad.

The first step was marinating the pork, a process that required patience and precision. I carefully sliced the meat into thin strips and placed them in a bowl with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the meat with their savory essence. As the pork marinated, I chopped vegetables – crisp bell peppers, crunchy water chestnuts, and tender snow peas – adding them to the bowl in a colorful mosaic of textures and flavors.

Next, I prepared the dressing, whisking together sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey to create a tangy and aromatic sauce that would bind the salad together. I could already imagine the flavors mingling on my taste buds – the savory umami of the pork, the crisp freshness of the vegetables, and the zingy brightness of the dressing.

Finally, it was time to assemble the salad. I tossed the marinated pork and vegetables together in a large bowl, coating them in the fragrant dressing and allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The colors of the ingredients blended together in a vibrant tapestry of greens, reds, and yellows, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

As I took my first bite of Pork Cantonese Salad, I was transported back in time to my great-grandmother's kitchen, to a simpler era when food was made with love and shared with family. The flavors were exquisite – the tender pork melting in my mouth, the crunch of the vegetables, and the tangy sweetness of the dressing all coming together in perfect harmony.

I couldn't help but smile as I savored each bite, knowing that I had unearthed a hidden gem from my family's culinary heritage. This recipe for Pork Cantonese Salad was more than just a dish – it was a link to my past, a connection to my ancestors and the traditions they had passed down through the generations.

As I finished the last bite of salad, I felt a sense of gratitude for my great-grandmother and the legacy she had left behind. Her recipes were more than just instructions for cooking – they were a testament to the love and care she had poured into her food, a reminder of the bond that held our family together across time and distance.

And so, as I washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, I knew that I would treasure this recipe for Pork Cantonese Salad for years to come, passing it down to future generations as a reminder of where we came from and the traditions that shaped us. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time would always bring a smile to my face, a reminder of the rich and flavorful tapestry of my family's culinary history.