Pork `N' Cabbage
A savory stir-fry combining tender pork, shredded cabbage, water chestnuts, and mushrooms in a flavorful Italian-inspired sauce with an oriental twist, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork shoulder strips in a skillet.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes; then drain excess liquid.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, sliced water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, and chopped pimento, along with water and Italian dressing.
- Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add soy sauce mixed with cornstarch to the skillet.
- Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Serve hot over rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in soy sauce and garlic for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with sliced bamboo shoots for a similar crunch. Adjust the amount of cabbage based on your preference; you can use green or Napa cabbage. This dish can also be enhanced with a dash of sesame oil for an Asian twist, reminiscent of recipes like Teriyaki Pork Chops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pork 'N' Cabbage over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the flavors. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, consider serving alongside Holiday Egg Rolls. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Cover with a lid to steam and warm through, or microwave in short intervals until heated evenly. This dish also freezes well for up to a month.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork `N' Cabbage contains roughly 911 calories, with 7g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. 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 cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with pork loin or tenderloin, but keep in mind that they may cook faster. You'll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pork is tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! You can replace the pork with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Increase the amount of vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. The soy sauce and Italian dressing will still provide a great taste.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well over low heat until combined. You can also adjust the cornstarch amount in future batches for a lighter sauce.
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).