Chinese Spring Celery and Pork
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Category: One Dish Meal
Servings: 2
Description
I recently spotted this flavorful Chinese recipe in a local newspaper, and it immediately piqued my interest. With its blend of tender pork strips, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of spices, it’s a wonderful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy days. The best part? You can easily swap in different vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile option. Serve it with a side of steamed rice for a hearty and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork (sliced into strips) | 100g |
| Sherry wine | 1 tbsp |
| Cornflour (cornstarch) | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Soy sauce | 3-4 tbsp |
| Five-spice powder | 1 tsp |
| Chinese celery | 1 stalk |
| Regular celery (chopped) | 1 stalk |
| White sugar | 1/4 tsp |
| Red capsicum (bell pepper) | 1 (sliced) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 211.3 kcal |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 603mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4.6g |
| Protein | 11.4g |
Instructions
-
Marinate the Pork
Start by placing the sliced pork strips in a mixing bowl. Add the sherry wine and cornflour, stirring well to coat the pork evenly. Let the pork marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat. -
Prepare the Wok
Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of oil (vegetable oil works best) and fry the grated ginger until it turns golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 1-2 minutes. -
Cook the Pork
Add the marinated pork strips to the wok, along with the soy sauce and five-spice powder. Stir-fry the mixture for 5-6 minutes until the pork is cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure the pork doesn’t stick to the wok. Once cooked, remove the pork from the wok and set it aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same wok, add the chopped Chinese celery and regular celery. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness. Sprinkle the sugar over the vegetables to help caramelize them slightly, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. -
Combine and Heat Through
Add the cooked pork mixture back into the wok with the celery. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. -
Serve
Once everything is well combined and the flavors have melded, remove the wok from the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with thin slices of red capsicum (bell pepper) for a pop of color and a fresh, sweet crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect when served alongside a bowl of steamed white or brown rice, which helps to soak up the savory sauce. You can also enjoy it as a standalone meal for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots depending on what’s in season or available.
Notes
- The recipe is very adaptable. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pork with tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
- For an added kick, try sprinkling in some chili flakes or adding fresh chili when stir-frying the ginger.
- If Chinese celery is hard to find, regular celery works just as well, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Enjoy this quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish for a satisfying meal any time of the day!
