Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage

Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender pork with crunchy napa cabbage, flavored with garlic, ginger, and green onions. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

History

Stir-fried dishes have been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. The technique of stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat, which helps to retain their nutrients and flavors. Pork and cabbage are commonly used ingredients in Chinese cooking, and this dish is a popular choice for its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

4 tbsp of beef broth
0.5 tbsp of minced garlic
0.5 tbsp of minced fresh gingerroot
1 lb (454 g) of pork tenderloin, cut into
4 cups of shredded napa cabbage
0.5 tbsp of salt
0.5 tbsp of red pepper flakes
8 green onions, chopped

How to prepare

Heat the broth in a large nonstick frying pan or wok.
Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and green onions for 1 minute.
Add the pork and stir-fry until the pink color is nearly gone, about 1 minute.
Mix in the cabbage, cover, and continue cooking for 3–5 minutes or until the cabbage is tender, stirring once.
Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different protein option.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
Use different seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the pork into thin slices to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Use a nonstick frying pan or wok to prevent the ingredients from sticking.

- Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and green onions first to release their flavors before adding the pork.

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

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt and red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking. It is important to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have napa cabbage, you can use regular cabbage or bok choy as a substitute. You can also use chicken or tofu instead of pork for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish is best served fresh, so it is recommended to cook it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced red chilies for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 8 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork is a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as minerals like iron and zinc. Napa cabbage is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (from the beef broth) and gluten (from the soy sauce), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Stir-fried Pork with Napa Cabbage is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a healthy option for a satisfying dinner. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender pork, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings in this tasty stir-fry recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a rainy day in the bustling city of Shanghai, where I found myself wandering through the busy streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant place. As I passed by a small food stall, the delicious aroma of stir-fried pork with Napa cabbage wafted through the air, enticing me with its savory scent.

I couldn't resist and decided to stop and watch as the chef prepared this mouth-watering dish. With lightning speed, he chopped the pork into thin slices, marinated it in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then tossed it into a sizzling wok with crunchy Napa cabbage, carrots, and green onions. The enticing sizzle of the wok and the tantalizing aroma of the dish made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As I watched the chef skillfully stir-fry the ingredients, I couldn't help but ask him for the recipe. With a smile, he handed me a crumpled piece of paper with the instructions scrawled in Chinese characters. I couldn't read a word of it, but I knew I had to bring this recipe back home with me.

Back in my own kitchen, I set out to recreate the stir-fried pork with Napa cabbage. I carefully translated the recipe with the help of a friend and gathered all the necessary ingredients. I marinated the pork, chopped the vegetables, and preheated my wok until it was smoking hot.

As I tossed the pork and vegetables in the wok, the familiar sizzle and aroma filled my kitchen, taking me back to that rainy day in Shanghai. The flavors blended together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and delicious. I couldn't believe that I had made something so authentic and flavorful right in my own home.

From that day on, stir-fried pork with Napa cabbage became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that rainy day in Shanghai and the kind chef who shared his recipe with me.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a bit more garlic here, a dash of chili there, to suit my own tastes. But the essence of the dish remains the same – tender pork, crisp Napa cabbage, and a savory sauce that brings it all together.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of stir-fried pork with Napa cabbage to the next generation. It warms my heart to see others enjoy this dish as much as I do, knowing that it all started with a chance encounter on a rainy day in Shanghai.

As I write this, I can smell the familiar aroma of stir-fried pork with Napa cabbage wafting through my kitchen. The memories of that day in Shanghai flood back to me, reminding me of the joy and satisfaction that cooking has brought into my life. And as I take a bite of this delicious dish, I am grateful for the experiences and people who have inspired me along the way. Cooking is more than just a task – it is a journey of discovery, connection, and love. And I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share that with others through this simple, yet delicious, recipe.