Sichuan Pork

Pork Recipe with Wood Ears and Chinese-Style Vegetables

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I’m sure you’ve often wondered how to recreate those delicious dishes you enjoy in Chinese restaurants at home. While Chinese food may differ from what we find locally, this recipe for pork with wood ears and vegetables will transport you straight to the heart of Asian cuisine. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that can quickly become your favorite.

Recipe History

Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse ingredients and cooking techniques. Wood ears are a popular ingredient, often used in dishes for their crunchy texture. Over time, this ingredient has been appreciated not only for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits. What are these? Wood ears are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice in a balanced diet.

Ingredients

- 500 g pork shoulder (choose lean, fat-free meat)
- 1 large onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 3 cm fresh ginger
- 300 g frozen vegetables (Chinese mix - carrots, bell peppers, peas)
- 25 g wood ears
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oil (sunflower or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- Pork broth (homemade or from half a concentrated cube)
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- A pinch of star anise
- Coriander (3-4 crushed seeds or a pinch of dried coriander)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Hydrating the wood ears
Start by hydrating the wood ears. Place them in a bowl with hot water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step is essential, as the wood ears will absorb the water and become soft, ready to be used in the dish.

2. Preparing the meat
Cut the pork shoulder into long strips of 2-3 cm. Then, in a bowl, mix the meat with half of the soy sauce. This process will not only enhance the meat's flavor but will also help tenderize it, given the short cooking time.

3. Cooking the meat
In a wok or deep skillet, add half of the oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the crushed garlic and finely chopped ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the pork and fry for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and well cooked. Once the meat is done, remove it to a plate and set aside.

4. Cooking the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the julienned onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the frozen vegetables, the hydrated wood ears (cut into strips), and the fried meat. Mix the ingredients well.

5. Adding liquids and seasonings
Pour the pork broth over the mixture in the skillet, add the remaining soy sauce, salt, pepper, and the spices (star anise and coriander). Mix everything well and let the dish simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld perfectly and the sauce thickens.

6. Serving
Cook the rice or rice noodles according to the package instructions. Plain boiled rice or noodles will perfectly complement this flavorful dish. Serve the pork with wood ears and vegetables hot, sprinkled with a bit of fresh coriander if you have it on hand.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the meat: Make sure to use fat-free pork to avoid the dish becoming greasy or heavy.
- Wood ears: If you don’t have wood ears, you can experiment with shiitake or button mushrooms, but the texture will be different.
- Vegetables: You can adapt the vegetables based on your preferences. Add bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
- Variations: Replace pork with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Tofu will absorb the flavors from the sauce and provide a pleasant texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used, but make sure to cook them longer to soften properly.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, due to the content of vegetables and wood ears, the dish is rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Additionally, pork provides quality protein.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs best with boiled rice or rice noodles, but you can also experiment with quinoa for a healthier option.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetables a few hours ahead and reheat them before serving to bring them to the desired temperature.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Pork is an excellent source of protein, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Wood ears are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of fiber, contributing to digestive health.

Personal Note

I fondly remember the evenings when I would prepare this recipe with friends, laughing and chatting as the kitchen filled with aromas. I encourage you to bring your friends around the table to savor the authentic taste of the dish together. Pair it with a glass of white wine or jasmine tea for a complete culinary experience.

Enjoy every bite and let me know how it turned out for you! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g pork meat, 1 onion, 5 cloves of garlic, 3 cm ginger, 300 g frozen vegetables (Chinese), 25 g wood ear mushrooms, 5 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons oil, pork broth (homemade or from half a concentrated cube), salt, pepper, a pinch of star anise, coriander (3-4 crushed seeds or a pinch of dried coriander)

 Tags:  sichuan pork chinese food chinese recipes pork with rice