Pork Chow Mein
Pork Chow Mein offers a savory mix of tender pork strips stir-fried with crunchy vegetables and flavorful soy sauce, creating a satisfying dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Its balanced flavors and fresh ingredients appeal to lovers of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless pork loin ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves minced ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce divided ⓘ
- 1 c chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 c thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 c thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c coarsely chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 1 c coarsely chopped fresh spinach ⓘ
- hot, cooked rice (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the pork into 4 x 1/2 x 1/4-inch strips.
- Place the pork strips in a bowl and add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Meanwhile, combine chicken broth, cornstarch, ground ginger, and remaining soy sauce; mix well and set aside.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated pork strips and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Remove pork from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and chopped cabbage; stir-fry until vegetables are tender.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the cooked pork to the skillet with vegetables.
- Pour the broth mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Serve hot, optionally over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, use pre-cut pork strips and frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes. You can substitute pork with chicken for a lighter version. Adjust the ginger according to your taste preference; if you enjoy a stronger flavor, increase the amount. For a vegetarian option, try tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Chow Mein hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chinese Chicken (Pork) And Rice for a delightful dinner spread. You can also add a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad to enhance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in a soggy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chow Mein contains roughly 1145 calories, with 37g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (263% of the Daily Value), iron (104% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 meat instead of pork?
Yes, you can easily substitute pork with chicken, beef, or even shrimp. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different proteins have varying cooking durations. Chicken recipes work particularly well with this method, maintaining the flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Pork Chow Mein gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten restrictions while still savoring the rich flavors.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added depth, consider incorporating oyster sauce or a dash of sesame oil at the end of cooking. You could also experiment with chili flakes for a bit of heat or toss in some chopped scallions as a fresh garnish. Mock Chop Suey ingredients like bean sprouts would also enhance the dish.
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).