Chinese Food

Introduction

Stir-fried pork with mushrooms is a dish that combines the savory taste of pork with the earthy flavor of mushrooms. This Chinese-inspired recipe is not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this dish can become a staple in your repertoire. In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of making stir-fried pork with mushrooms, ensuring you achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

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

• Pork: 300 grams of thinly sliced pork belly or pork shoulder (you can also use pork tenderloin if you prefer a leaner option)
• Mushrooms: 250 grams of fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced, or button mushrooms can be used as an alternative
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
• Scallions: 2, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added umami flavor)
• Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry): 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 1 tablespoon of water (for slurry)
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for stir-frying
• Salt: to taste
• White Pepper: a pinch, for seasoning
• Sugar: a pinch, to balance the flavors

Preparation

1. Marinate the Pork:
   Begin by placing the thinly sliced pork in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of white pepper. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

   

2. Prepare the Mushrooms:
   While the pork is marinating, prepare the mushrooms. Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms (if using) and slice them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using button mushrooms, simply clean them and slice them thinly. Set them aside.

3. Prepare the Aromatics:
   Mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the scallions into 1-inch pieces. Having these aromatics ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the Pan:
   Place a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking.

   

2. Stir-Fry the Pork:
   Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork slices, spreading them out in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy. This step is crucial for locking in the juices and developing a nice caramelized exterior. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this will make the dish bitter.

4. Add the Mushrooms:
   Immediately after the aromatics become fragrant, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their juices. If the pan becomes too dry, you can add a splash of water to prevent the mushrooms from sticking.

5. Combine Ingredients:
   Once the mushrooms are cooked, return the stir-fried pork to the pan. Add the sliced scallions, the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, the oyster sauce (if using), and the Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry). Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

   

6. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. The sugar helps to balance the savory and umami flavors, making the dish more harmonious.

7. Thicken the Sauce:
   To thicken the sauce, give the cornstarch slurry a good stir to ensure it’s well mixed, then pour it into the pan. Stir quickly to combine, and let the sauce cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook, as the sauce can become gluey if left on the heat too long.

Serving

Transfer the stir-fried pork with mushrooms to a serving dish. Garnish with additional sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. The combination of tender pork, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant aromatics makes this dish a perfect meal for any occasion.

Tips and Tricks

• Marinating the Pork: Marinating the pork not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. If you have time, let it marinate for longer—up to an hour—for even better results.
• High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to create that delicious caramelized exterior on the pork and to cook the mushrooms quickly while retaining their texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your pan is not overcrowded when stir-frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents the ingredients from steaming rather than stir-frying.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a bit more cornstarch slurry. Conversely, if you like a more saucy dish, reduce the amount of cornstarch.

In conclusion, stir-fried pork with mushrooms is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, it’s an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Try this recipe at home, and enjoy the delightful combination of savory pork and earthy mushrooms in every bite.