Chinese Dish (Special)(This Is A War Time Recipe.)
A hearty Chinese pork dish featuring tender cubes of pork in a savory broth with vegetables, thickened to perfection—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown lean pork cubes slowly with salt, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fat.
- Add the dissolved chicken bouillon cubes in boiling water and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
- Add diced green pepper and diced celery.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Slowly blend in cornstarch, soy sauce, and cold water; cook until thick, stirring constantly.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the pork in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have chicken bouillon, vegetable broth can be an excellent substitute. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, but be sure to dissolve it fully in cold water to avoid clumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs nicely with Stir-Fried Green Beans With Sichuan Sauce for a balanced plate. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once for best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Dish (Special)(This Is A War Time Recipe.) contains roughly 745 calories, with 26g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2067mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean pork is traditional, chicken or beef can be used as substitutes. If using chicken, consider cooking it until fully cooked before adding the vegetables. For beef, flank steak or sirloin works well, but adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce turns out thinner than desired, you can mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and gradually add it to the mixture while stirring. Allow it to cook for a minute or two until thickened. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce naturally.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and rewarm on the stove or microwave until heated thoroughly. Keep in mind that some vegetables may lose their texture when frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).