Watercress And Pork

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Chinese

A light, flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender pork and fresh watercress, seasoned with ginger and garlic, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb. pork, sliced thin and flat
  • 1 slice ginger, crushed
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 cup water or stock
  • 1 bunch watercress, cut in 1 1/2-inch lengths
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
  2. Slightly brown the crushed ginger and garlic in the pan.
  3. Add the sliced pork and fry until cooked through.
  4. Add salt and water or stock, bring to a boil.
  5. Add the watercress and cook for 3 minutes or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider marinating the pork in soy sauce or oyster sauce before cooking to enhance flavor. If you don't have watercress, try using spinach or bok choy as a substitute. Adjust the salt to taste, especially if using stock that may already be salty. Keep an eye on the cooking time for the watercress to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Pork Over Rice for a delightful spread. Consider adding a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can also add a nice finishing touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals until heated through, but be cautious not to overcook the watercress.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Watercress And Pork contains roughly 616 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).

616 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 60g 77% DV
Carbs 17.1g 6% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2075.9mg 90% DV
Potassium 214.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 58.2mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 15.6mg 17% DV
Calcium 101.7mg 8% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb

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 other types of meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken should be cooked until no longer pink, while tofu should be heated through and slightly crispy if using firm tofu.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili paste while cooking the pork. Additionally, incorporating a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at the end can elevate the heat level to your liking.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is versatile and goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal. For a more substantial option, serve it alongside fried rice or a fresh garden salad.

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).

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