Rou Ding Lan Ren

Rou Ding Lan Ren Recipe - Hong Kong Pork Stir Fry

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rou Ding Lan Ren is a traditional Chinese dish that combines lean pork with pine nuts, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. This dish is known for its unique combination of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for those looking to try something new and delicious.

History

Rou Ding Lan Ren has a long history in Chinese cuisine, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The dish was originally created as a way to make use of leftover ingredients, such as pork and nuts, and has since become a staple in many Chinese households.

Ingredients

300 g of lean pork
100 g of olive nuts (substitute: pine nuts)
4 slices of ginger
1 stalk of spring onion
1 red pepper
0.33 carrot

Seasoning

0.5 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of light soy sauce
1 tbsp of corn flour
1 tbsp of oil

Sauce

1 tbsp of light soy sauce
0.5 tbsp of salt
1 tbsp of corn flour
3 tbsp of water
some sesame oil
some pepper

How to prepare

Clean the pork and cut it into small dices. Marinate for 10 minutes with seasoning.
Parboil the pork dices in hot oil. Remove from heat and drain excess oil.
Fry the olive nuts in low heat oil for 0.5 minute until golden. Remove from heat.
Peel the carrot and cut it into small dices. Boil in hot water for 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil. Add ginger and cook in high heat.
Chop the spring onion and red pepper into tiny pieces.
Add the pork dices to the wok and stir fry well. Then, add the carrot dices and continue stir frying.
Add the sauce, spring onion, and red pepper to the wok. Stir fry until cooked.
Finally, add the fried olive nuts to the wok. Stir fry quickly to mix well. Remove from heat and serve.

Variations

Substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for added texture and color.
Use cashews or almonds instead of pine nuts for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Be careful not to overcook the pork, as it can become tough and dry.

- Stir fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to ensure that they cook evenly and retain their crispness.

- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less soy sauce, sugar, or salt as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Rou Ding Lan Ren can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir frying, parboiling, boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef instead of pork

- Substitute pine nuts with cashews or almonds

- Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the pork and prepare the sauce ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store the ingredients separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rou Ding Lan Ren in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Pair with a side of steamed rice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rou Ding Lan Ren with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy. For drinks, consider serving with a cold glass of green tea or a crisp lager beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 40% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts (pine nuts)

Summary

Rou Ding Lan Ren is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Rou Ding Lan Ren is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that combines lean pork with pine nuts for a flavorful and satisfying meal. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a great option for those looking to enjoy a well-rounded and tasty meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Rou Ding Lan Ren. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her cozy kitchen. Mei Ling was a wonderful cook, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. As we sipped on fragrant tea and chatted about our favorite dishes, Mei Ling suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. Moments later, she emerged with a small, tattered notebook in hand.

"Ah, I almost forgot about this," Mei Ling said with a twinkle in her eye. "This is a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations. It's a special dish that we make for celebrations and gatherings. I think you'll love it."

Curious and eager to learn, I leaned in closer as Mei Ling opened the notebook and began to read out the ingredients for Rou Ding Lan Ren. The dish was a traditional Chinese stir-fry made with tender pork slices, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and a hint of sweetness. It sounded absolutely mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

Mei Ling patiently walked me through the steps of preparing the dish, demonstrating how to slice the pork thinly and marinate it in a fragrant mixture of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. She showed me how to julienne the colorful bell peppers and snow peas, adding a pop of freshness and crunch to the dish. As the ingredients sizzled in the wok, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Mei Ling shared stories of her childhood and the memories she associated with this dish.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I took my first bite of Rou Ding Lan Ren and was immediately transported to a world of flavors. The tender pork, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce melded together perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. I couldn't help but marvel at the complexity of the dish and the love and history that went into its creation.

From that day on, Rou Ding Lan Ren became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and special occasions when I wanted to impress guests with a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think back to that rainy afternoon in Mei Ling's kitchen and the bond we shared over a shared love of cooking and good food.

Over the years, I have made some adaptations to the original recipe, adding my own twist with the addition of fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and seasonal ingredients. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Rou Ding Lan Ren to the next generation. And though Mei Ling is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every bite of this beloved dish.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing Rou Ding Lan Ren for a family gathering, I can't help but smile at the memories and stories that are woven into the fabric of this recipe. It is more than just a dish to me—it is a connection to my past, a tribute to my friend Mei Ling, and a celebration of the joy and love that food can bring into our lives. And as I serve up steaming bowls of Rou Ding Lan Ren to my loved ones, I know that I am passing on a piece of my heritage and a taste of tradition that will endure for generations to come.