Pork Chop Suey
Pork Chop Suey Recipe from China - Delicious and Flavorful
Introduction
Pork Chop Suey is a classic Chinese-American dish that is a delicious and satisfying stir-fry made with tender pork, a variety of vegetables, and a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
History
Pork Chop Suey has its origins in Chinese cuisine but has been adapted to suit American tastes. It is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The dish became popular in Chinese-American restaurants and has since become a staple in many households.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) pork or beef (avoid using pork chops as they tend to be dry)
Pork marinade
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 - 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 1 piece (less than 1 tsp) cornstarch
Sauce
- 4 tbsp water or chicken broth
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 0.75 to 1 tsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 2 small bunches bok choy (can be substituted with broccoli if desired)
- 0.5 cup bamboo shoots, rinsed
- 0.5 lb (227 g) fresh mushrooms, washed and patted dry with a paper towel
- 0.5 cup water chestnuts (preferably fresh)
- 1 large green pepper
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 onion
- 0.5 lb (227 g) snow peas (optional)
- oil for stir-frying
How to prepare
- Cut the pork into thin strips.
- Add the seasonings to the pork, adding the cornstarch last.
- Marinate the pork for 10 – 15 minutes.
- While the pork is marinating, prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Sauce
- Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Vegetables
- Cut the bamboo shoots into thin strips.
- Slice the mushrooms and water chestnuts.
- Cut the green pepper in half, remove the seeds, and slice diagonally.
- For the bok choy, separate each stalk and leaves.
- Cut the stalk diagonally and cut the leaves across.
- Cut the celery diagonally.
- Cut the onion in half, peel, and slice thinly.
- Place the vegetables on a large tray, being careful to keep each group separate (including the bok choy stalks and leaves), and set aside.
Assembly
- Heat the wok and add oil.
- When the oil is ready, add the pork.
- Stir-fry the pork until the redness is gone.
- Remove the pork and set aside.
- Reheat the wok and add more oil.
- When the oil is ready, stir-fry each of the vegetables.
- The order doesn't matter, but you can stir-fry the onions and celery together and the green pepper and snow peas together.
- When cooking the bok choy, add the stalks first.
- Add salt to taste as desired while stir-frying each group of vegetables.
- Add water and cover the wok while cooking the bok choy, as it doesn't contain much moisture.
- Reheat the wok and add oil.
- Give the sauce a quick restir.
- Add and combine all the cooked ingredients in the wok.
- Make a "well" in the center and gradually add the sauce, stirring to thicken.
- Once it has boiled, remove the chop suey from the stove.
- Serve hot.
Variations
- Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different protein option.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or baby corn for additional color and nutrients.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding more soy sauce or oyster sauce for a richer flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cut the pork into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Marinate the pork for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Stir-fry each group of vegetables separately to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
- Be sure to stir the sauce well before adding it to the stir-fry to ensure a smooth and thick consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Pork Chop Suey can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok or skillet. It is important to keep the ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little sugar for a similar flavor profile. You can also use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different variation.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the pork and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store the marinated pork in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and keep the chopped vegetables in an airtight container until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Pork Chop Suey in a large serving dish or individual bowls for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added color and texture.
Pairing Recommendations
Pork Chop Suey pairs well with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of egg rolls or potstickers for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 300 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 20g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 12g per serving
Saturated Fat: 3g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 20% of daily value
Vitamin C: 80% of daily value
Iron: 15% of daily value
Alergens
Contains soy and shellfish (oyster sauce)
Summary
Pork Chop Suey is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.
Summary
Pork Chop Suey is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a balance of protein, vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite for weeknight dinners. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Chinese-American dish!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a rainy day in the small town where I grew up, and my mother had invited a few friends over for a cozy dinner. As we sat around the kitchen table chatting and sipping on tea, my mother brought out a steaming pot of Pork Chop Suey.
The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating – a rich blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. I watched in awe as my mother effortlessly stirred the vegetables and pork chops together, creating a dish that seemed to be bursting with flavor.
I couldn't resist asking my mother where she had learned to make such a delicious meal. With a twinkle in her eye, she told me the story of how she had acquired this recipe many years ago.
It all started when she was a young woman living in the bustling city of Shanghai. Like me, she had always been drawn to the world of cooking and had a deep passion for trying out new recipes.
One day, she stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant tucked away in a narrow alley. The restaurant was run by an elderly Chinese woman who was known throughout the neighborhood for her incredible culinary skills.
My mother was immediately drawn to this woman's cooking and made it a point to visit her restaurant regularly. She would sit at a corner table, quietly observing the woman as she worked her magic in the kitchen.
One day, feeling bold, my mother approached the woman and asked if she would be willing to teach her some of her recipes. To my mother's surprise, the woman agreed, and so began a series of cooking lessons that would change my mother's life forever.
Over the course of several months, my mother learned how to make a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, each one more delicious than the last. But it was the Pork Chop Suey that truly captured her heart.
The woman taught my mother the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and how to balance flavors to create a harmonious dish. She showed my mother the proper way to marinate the pork chops, and how to stir-fry the vegetables just right to retain their crunch.
As my mother recounted this story to me, I could see the passion and nostalgia in her eyes. She spoke of the woman with such reverence, as if she was a culinary goddess who had bestowed upon her the gift of great cooking.
From that day on, Pork Chop Suey became a staple in our household. My mother would often prepare it for special occasions, and it quickly became a family favorite. I would watch her in the kitchen, marveling at her skill and expertise as she effortlessly recreated the dish that had once seemed so elusive.
As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe myself, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. I would often call my mother for advice, seeking her guidance on how to perfect the dish just as she had done so many years ago.
And now, as I sit here preparing Pork Chop Suey for my own family, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the woman who had taught my mother and, in turn, had passed down the recipe to me. Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of the bond between generations, and the joy that comes from sharing a love of cooking with those we hold dear.
So as I stir the vegetables and pork chops together in my own kitchen, I can't help but smile, knowing that this recipe will continue to be a part of our family for generations to come. And I am grateful for the lessons learned from the woman who had inspired my mother and me to create something truly special.
Categories
| Bamboo Shoot Recipes | Beef Recipes | Bok Choy Recipes | Broccoli Recipes | Celery Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Chinese Recipes | Chop Suey Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Onion Recipes | Pork Recipes | Snow Pea Recipes | Water Chestnut Recipes |