Spicy Chinese Pork with Spring Celery and Bell Peppers

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!