Pork Strips With Szechwan Sauce
Tender pork strips stir-fried with vibrant Szechwan sauce, garlic, and peppers, offering bold flavors perfect for fans of spicy Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean boneless pork, cut in 1 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peanut oil ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cored, seeded and cut in strips
- 1/2 tsp. dried red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix pork, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, egg, cornstarch, and sherry in a bowl; set aside.
- Mix remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce and vinegar; set aside.
- Heat peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pork strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add green pepper and red pepper flakes; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar mixture; cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in sliced green onions and cook for 30 seconds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of dried red pepper flakes to your taste. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you don't have dry sherry, rice wine or white wine can be used instead. Make sure to slice the pork against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Strips With Szechwan Sauce over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which complements the bold flavors beautifully. For added freshness, consider garnishing with additional sliced green onions. This dish also pairs well with Vegetable Skillet Stew or a light salad for balance. Feel free to explore more Chinese recipes for a themed meal.
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 until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pork tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Strips With Szechwan Sauce contains roughly 718 calories, with 10g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1355mg per serving (59% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pork mixture and the sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to a day. Just stir-fry the pork and vegetables on the day you plan to serve to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What can I serve with Pork Strips With Szechwan Sauce?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which absorbs the savory sauce perfectly. You might also consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of dried red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more flakes or even some chili paste for an extra kick.
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).