Vegetable Pork Stir-fry

Vegetable Pork Stir-fry Recipe from China | Ingredients: pork, vegetables, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vegetable Pork Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender pork strips with a variety of colorful vegetables. This stir-fry is not only easy to make, but it is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to quickly cook ingredients over high heat. The combination of pork and vegetables in a stir-fry is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) pork tenderloin, cut into strips
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 cup (about 6 oz (170 g)) sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large green pepper, cut into strips
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
2 ribs celery, diagonally sliced
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large skillet, brown the pork strips in oil over medium-high heat. Push the meat to the side of the skillet.
Add mushrooms, pepper, zucchini, celery, carrots, and garlic. Stir-fry for approximately 3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the skillet and cook until thickened.
Serve the dish over rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different protein option.
Add other vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or water chestnuts for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use a hot skillet or wok to stir-fry the ingredients quickly and retain their crisp texture.

- Don't overcook the vegetables to maintain their vibrant colors and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vegetable Pork Stir-fry over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of protein or vegetables you prefer in this stir-fry recipe. Feel free to customize it to your taste.

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.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vegetable Pork Stir-fry in a large serving dish or individual bowls for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of sesame oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. A side of kimchi or pickled vegetables would also complement the flavors.

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables, as well as iron and zinc from the pork.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (from soy sauce) and may contain traces of gluten.

Summary

Vegetable Pork Stir-fry is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Vegetable Pork Stir-fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My family didn't have much money, so we had to make do with what we had. My mother was a wonderful cook and she taught me everything she knew about cooking. But it wasn't until I met an elderly woman named Mrs. Chang that I truly began to expand my culinary skills.

Mrs. Chang was a kind and generous woman who lived down the street from us. She was known in the village for her delicious homemade meals, and I was always intrigued by the tantalizing smells wafting from her kitchen. One day, I mustered up the courage to knock on her door and ask her for cooking lessons. To my surprise, she welcomed me with open arms and invited me into her home.

As I sat at her kitchen table, Mrs. Chang began to teach me the secrets of Chinese cooking. She showed me how to chop vegetables with precision, how to season meats just right, and how to stir-fry ingredients to perfection. But it was the recipe for Vegetable Pork Stir-fry that truly captured my heart.

Mrs. Chang explained that this dish was a staple in Chinese cuisine, combining the freshness of vegetables with the savory flavors of pork. She walked me through each step of the recipe, from marinating the pork in soy sauce and ginger to stir-frying the vegetables in a wok. The end result was a colorful and aromatic dish that tantalized the taste buds.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Chang effortlessly tossed the ingredients in the wok, the sizzle of the vegetables filling the air. I could tell that she had a deep love for cooking, and it was contagious. I knew that I wanted to learn everything I could from her.

Over the months that followed, I spent countless hours in Mrs. Chang's kitchen, soaking up her wisdom like a sponge. She taught me about the importance of using fresh ingredients, the art of balancing flavors, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. But most importantly, she taught me that cooking is a form of expression, a way to show love and care for those around you.

As I grew older, I carried Mrs. Chang's teachings with me wherever I went. I continued to experiment in the kitchen, honing my skills and creating my own recipes. But the Vegetable Pork Stir-fry remained a constant in my repertoire, a reminder of where it all began.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I find joy in passing on this recipe to my own grandchildren. I show them how to marinate the pork, how to chop the vegetables, and how to stir-fry everything together in a wok. And as we sit down to enjoy the meal together, I see the same spark of excitement in their eyes that I once had when I learned the recipe from Mrs. Chang.

Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through the food that I prepare. And every time I make Vegetable Pork Stir-fry, I am reminded of the wonderful woman who taught me the true magic of cooking. Mrs. Chang may no longer be with us, but her spirit lives on in every dish that I create. And for that, I am forever grateful.