Spicy Szechuan Pork Stew
Indulge in the robust flavors of Spicy Szechuan Pork Stew, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe, ideal for those who love a bit of spice, combines tender pork shoulder with aromatic spices and vegetables, creating a rich and savory stew. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 6-8 green onions, sliced (white parts separated from green tops)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork: Begin by cutting the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes. Toss the pork cubes with about 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until they are well coated. This will help to thicken the stew later and give the pork a nice sear.
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Brown the Pork: Heat a generous amount of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the flour-coated pork cubes. Sear the pork until it is thoroughly browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and texture to your stew.
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Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the soy sauce, dry sherry, minced garlic, and fennel seeds. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes for that signature Szechuan spice kick. Add the white parts of the green onions and pour in 1 1/2 cups of water. This mixture will create a flavorful base for your stew.
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Simmer: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
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Add Carrots: After 30 minutes, add the sliced carrots to the stew. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until both the pork and carrots are tender and cooked through.
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Prepare the Thickening Agent: While the stew is simmering, blend 1/4 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a slurry. Set this aside; it will be used to thicken the stew later.
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Finish the Stew: Stir the green onion tops into the stew and let it simmer for an additional minute. Then, gradually add the flour-water mixture to the stew while stirring continuously. Bring the stew back to a boil and cook, stirring, until the mixture is slightly thickened and reaches your desired consistency.
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Serve: Ladle the Spicy Szechuan Pork Stew over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. The rich and spicy sauce combined with tender pork and crisp carrots makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Spicy Szechuan Pork Stew, a dish that’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds with its perfect balance of heat and savory goodness! 🍲🌶️
