Chinese Food

Introduction

In the vast realm of Chinese cuisine, stir-fries occupy a unique and beloved position. They encapsulate the essence of quick, flavorful cooking, often utilizing a myriad of ingredients that dance harmoniously in a wok’s searing heat. Among the myriad of stir-fry dishes, one stands out for its simplicity and delightful taste: Pork Shreds Stir-Fried with Oily Tofu Skin. This dish combines tender pork shreds with crispy, absorbent oily tofu skin, all bathed in a savory sauce that brings out the best in each ingredient.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but also in its versatility. It can be a hearty main course for a family dinner or a delightful side dish at a gathering. Moreover, it’s a perfect example of how Chinese cooking leverages contrasting textures and flavors to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. In this article, we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of making Pork Shreds Stir-Fried with Oily Tofu Skin, exploring the ingredients, techniques, and tips that will help you perfect this dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s list down the ingredients you’ll need:

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly (for shreds): 300 grams, thinly sliced into shreds
• Oily Tofu Skin (also known as Bean Curd Sheets or Yuba): 200 grams, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
• Scallions: 3, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, deseeded and sliced into thin strips
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry): 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
• White Pepper: A pinch
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying
• Salt: To taste

Preparation

1. Marinating the Pork Shreds:
   Begin by preparing the pork shreds. Place the thinly sliced pork in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, a pinch of white pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat the pork evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Preparing the Oily Tofu Skin:
   While the pork is marinating, prepare the oily tofu skin. Cut it into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Blanch the tofu skin in boiling water for about 2 minutes to remove any excess oil and to soften it slightly. Drain and set aside.

   

3. Preparing the Aromatics and Vegetables:
   Mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the scallions into 1-inch pieces. Deseed and slice the green bell pepper into thin strips. Having all your aromatics and vegetables ready will streamline the stir-frying process.

Cooking the Dish

1. Heating the Wok:
   Place a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat up until it’s almost smoking. The high heat is crucial for achieving the signature sear on the pork and vegetables, locking in juices and flavors.

2. Stir-Frying the Pork Shreds:
   Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork shreds, spreading them out in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the pork turns golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok, as this will reduce the temperature and steam the pork rather than sear it. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside on a plate.

   

3. Stir-Frying the Aromatics and Vegetables:
   In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Quickly add the sliced scallions and green bell pepper strips. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Adding the Oily Tofu Skin:
   Now, add the blanched oily tofu skin to the wok. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the tofu skin to absorb the flavors of the aromatics and vegetables. The tofu skin should become slightly crispy on the edges, adding a delightful texture to the dish.

5. Saucing and Thickening:
   Push the contents of the wok to one side, creating a small space in the center. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to this space and, once hot, pour in the oyster sauce, remaining soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine the sauce ingredients. Then, mix everything together, ensuring the pork shreds, vegetables, and tofu skin are well-coated with the sauce.

6. Thickening the Sauce:
   Give the cornstarch-water mixture a quick stir to recombine, then pour it into the wok. Stir quickly to thicken the sauce, making sure it evenly coats all the ingredients. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

   

Serving

Transfer the Pork Shreds Stir-Fried with Oily Tofu Skin to a serving dish. Garnish with additional sliced scallions or a sprinkle of white sesame seeds for added color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite grain.

Tips and Variations

• Marinating the Pork: Marinating the pork not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. If you have time, let the pork marinate for longer—up to an hour—for even better results.
• Adjusting the Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to sear the ingredients and lock in flavors. However, be mindful of the cooking process and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
• Adding Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or baby corn would all make delightful additions to this dish.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy variation, add a few red chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili sauce when stir-frying the aromatics.
• Meat Alternatives: If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh can be used in place of the pork shreds. Marinate and cook them similarly for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

Conclusion

Pork Shreds Stir-Fried with Oily Tofu Skin is a delightful dish that combines the best of Chinese stir-fry cooking. Its simplicity belies the depth of flavor achieved through careful ingredient selection and precise cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to explore new recipes, this dish offers a rewarding culinary experience. With its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, delighting family and friends alike. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and embark on a culinary journey that promises both satisfaction and delight. Bon appétit!