Pork Stir-fry

Pork Stir-fry Recipe - Asian Pork Loin Chops with Vegetables

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

Introduction

Pork stir-fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines lean pork with a variety of colorful vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to create flavorful and healthy dishes. Pork stir-fry is a popular variation of this cooking method that combines tender pork with a variety of vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) lean pork loin chops
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 tsp salt
2 cup carrots, sliced
2 cup green pepper, sliced
2 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cup broccoli florets
1 cup water, divided
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp ground ginger
16 cherry tomatoes
hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Trim excess fat and bone from pork and discard.
Cut the pork against the grain into diagonal slices that are 0.25 inch thick.
In a large pan, brown the meat in hot oil, stirring constantly.
Remove the pork from the pan.
Sprinkle salt over the pork.
Reduce the heat and add the vegetables and 0.5 cup of water.
Stir to mix everything together.
Cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, cornstarch, ginger, and 0.5 cup of water.
Add the soy sauce mixture to the vegetable mixture.
Return the pork to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cut the tomatoes into quarters.
Stir the tomatoes into the pork mixture and heat everything thoroughly.
Serve the dish over hot cooked rice.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as snow peas, bell peppers, or water chestnuts. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as hoisin sauce or chili paste, to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the pork against the grain to ensure that it stays tender and juicy.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.

- Use a wok or a large skillet to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and quickly.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pork stir-fry over hot cooked rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok over high heat. Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying requires constant stirring and attention to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork loin chops, you can use boneless pork tenderloin or pork shoulder instead. Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep the ingredients for this pork stir-fry ahead of time by slicing the pork and vegetables and mixing the sauce. Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this pork stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also serve it family-style with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Pairing Recommendations

This pork stir-fry pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of egg rolls, spring rolls, or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this pork stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this pork stir-fry recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This pork stir-fry recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this pork stir-fry contains about 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

With lean pork as the main ingredient, this dish provides a generous amount of protein, with approximately 35 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork stir-fry is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Summary

Overall, this pork stir-fry recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Pork stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With lean pork, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pork Stir-fry. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Sarah for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the delicious aroma of sizzling pork and vegetables filled the air. I couldn't wait to ask her for the recipe.

Sarah greeted me with a big smile and a hug, welcoming me into her cozy kitchen. She explained that she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I could tell from the way she spoke about it that this dish held a special place in her heart.

As she prepared the stir-fry, Sarah talked me through each step, from marinating the pork to stir-frying the vegetables. She shared tips and tricks she had picked up over the years, like using a hot wok to ensure that the ingredients cooked quickly and evenly.

I watched in awe as she effortlessly tossed the ingredients in the wok, the vibrant colors and enticing smells making my mouth water. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After enjoying a delicious lunch together, Sarah handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe. She told me that she hoped I would enjoy making it as much as she did. I left her house that day feeling inspired and eager to try out the recipe for myself.

When I got home, I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of each ingredient and step. I made a trip to the grocery store to pick up everything I needed, making sure to select the freshest ingredients possible.

As I began to prepare the stir-fry, I found myself channeling Sarah's calm and confident energy. I marinated the pork in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, letting it sit for an hour to soak up all the delicious flavors.

I chopped up an assortment of colorful vegetables - bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas - and set them aside, ready to be added to the sizzling wok. I heated up some oil and watched as it shimmered and danced, ready to receive the ingredients.

Once the pork was cooked through and the vegetables were tender-crisp, I tossed everything together in the wok, adding a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, bringing back memories of my lunch with Sarah.

I served myself a generous portion of the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy white rice, savoring each bite as the flavors danced on my taste buds. I couldn't believe how delicious it was - just like the dish Sarah had made for me.

From that day on, Pork Stir-fry became a regular staple in my household. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time, I thought of Sarah and the special connection we shared through this recipe.

As the years passed, I continued to make Pork Stir-fry, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touches. I shared it with friends and family, passing it down to the next generation just as Sarah had done for me.

Now, whenever I make Pork Stir-fry, I think of Sarah and the day we spent together in her kitchen. I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw the recipe, and how it sparked a love for cooking that has stayed with me ever since. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing this special dish with me and inspiring me to create delicious meals for my loved ones.