Quick And Easy Pork Chow Mein
A quick and flavorful pork chow mein featuring tender pork strips, crisp vegetables, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pork, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 16 ounces can bean sprouts, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine pork, celery, onion, green pepper, chicken bouillon, sugar, pepper, 1 1/2 cups water, and soy sauce. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in bean sprouts.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
- Over medium-high heat, carefully add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over chow mein noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Pork Chow Mein, consider adding minced garlic or ginger for an extra kick. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you want more vegetables, feel free to add carrots or broccoli. For a spicier version, add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pork Chow Mein over steamed chow mein noodles or rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or spring rolls for a complete dinner. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Pork Chow Mein contains roughly 622 calories, with 6g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. 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 fresh vegetables instead of canned bean sprouts?
Absolutely! Fresh bean sprouts can be used and will add a nice crunch to your dish. Just add them at the end of cooking to maintain their texture. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added freshness.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Pork Chow Mein gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, check the cornstarch label to ensure it's gluten-free, as most brands are, but it's always good to double-check.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients, such as cutting the pork and vegetables, a day in advance. However, it's best to cook the chow mein just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the sauce fresh. If you need to reheat, follow the storage instructions.
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).