Chinese Food

Introduction

Stir-fried Three-Ingredient Dice, commonly known as Ban Sanding in Chinese cuisine, is a delightful and straightforward dish that combines the flavors of pork, cucumber, and carrot in a harmonious blend of seasonings. This dish is not only visually appealing due to its vibrant color contrast but also offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re preparing a light meal for a family gathering or looking to impress guests with your culinary skills, Ban Sanding is an excellent choice.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making Stir-Fried Three-Ingredient Dice. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the stir-frying technique, we’ll cover all the essentials to ensure your dish turns out perfectly. By the end of this article, you’ll be confident in your ability to create a delicious and satisfying plate of Ban Sanding.

Section 1: Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s first discuss the ingredients you’ll need and how to prepare them.

Pork (Lean Pork Belly or Shoulder)

• Quantity: 200 grams (about 7 ounces)
• Preparation:
  • Start by slicing the pork into thin strips, approximately 3-4 millimeters thick.
  • Then, cut these strips into small dice, roughly 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) on each side.
  • Place the pork dice in a bowl and set aside.

Cucumber

• Quantity: 1 medium-sized cucumber
• Preparation:
  • Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water.
  • Peel the cucumber if you prefer a smoother texture; otherwise, you can leave the skin on for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Cut the cucumber into halves lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon.
  • Slice the cucumber halves into thin strips and then cut these strips into small dice, similar in size to the pork.
  • Place the cucumber dice in a separate bowl and set aside.

Carrot

• Quantity: 1 medium-sized carrot
• Preparation:
  • Peel the carrot using a vegetable peeler.
  • Cut the carrot into thin slices, and then into small dice, matching the size of the pork and cucumber.
  • Place the carrot dice in another bowl and set aside.

Seasonings and Garnishes

• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• White Pepper: A pinch (optional)
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for thickening, optional)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon (for garnish, optional)

Section 2: Cooking Equipment and Utensils

To make Stir-Fried Three-Ingredient Dice, you’ll need the following cooking equipment and utensils:

• Wok or Large Frying Pan: A wok is traditional for stir-frying, but a large frying pan will work equally well.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and tossing the ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For slicing and dicing the ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise cutting.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring seasonings.
• Bowls: For separating and storing the prepared ingredients.
• Colander or Strainer: For draining any excess liquid from the vegetables, if necessary.

Section 3: Cooking Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s proceed to the cooking steps.

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. In the bowl containing the pork dice, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of white pepper (if using).
2. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Let the pork marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the pork is marinating, prepare the cucumber and carrot dice as described in Section 1.
2. If you prefer firmer cucumber pieces, you can lightly salt the cucumber dice and let them sit for 10 minutes. This will draw out some moisture and firm up the texture. After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumber dice under cold water and drain well.

Step 3: Heat the Wok or Pan

1. Place your wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and let it heat up until it’s hot but not smoking.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Garlic

Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will turn bitter.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Pork

1. Add the marinated pork dice to the wok, spreading them out in a single layer.
2. Stir-fry the pork for about 2-3 minutes, until it turns lightly browned and cooked through. If the pork starts to stick to the wok, you can add a small amount of water (about 1-2 tablespoons) to create steam and loosen the stuck pieces.

Step 6: Add the Vegetables

1. Once the pork is cooked, add the carrot dice to the wok.
2. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, until the carrot pieces start to soften.
3. Add the cucumber dice and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until all the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.

Step 7: Season and Thicken (Optional)

1. Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and mix well to combine with the pork and vegetables.
2. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add the slurry to the wok and stir quickly to thicken the sauce.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the wok from the heat.
2. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the top for garnish.
3. Transfer the Stir-Fried Three-Ingredient Dice to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot.

Section 4: Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you perfect your Stir-Fried Three-Ingredient Dice:

• Texture Preferences: If you prefer crunchier vegetables, stir-fry them for a shorter time. Conversely, if you like softer vegetables, stir-fry them for a bit longer.
• Protein Options: Besides pork, you can use other proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein’s cooking requirements.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn for added color and nutrition.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and honey for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve Stir-Fried Three-Ingredient Dice over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal. It also pairs well with a side of stir-fried greens or a simple salad.

Conclusion

Stir-Fried Three-Ingredient Dice is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and start stir-frying your way to a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!