Savory Pork Chow Mein with Crunchy Vegetables
Indulge in this delightful and hearty Savory Pork Chow Mein with Crunchy Vegetables. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender pieces of pork with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a savory soy sauce and cornstarch glaze. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests, this recipe offers a balance of flavors and textures, from the succulent pork to the crisp bean sprouts and the rich flavor of mushrooms. You can serve it over chow mein noodles or a bed of fluffy rice for a gratifying meal that is sure to please everyone's palate.
6
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
pork
2 cups (cut into 1 inch pieces)
onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
mushrooms
4 ounces (sliced)
chicken broth
2 cups (for flavor)
celery
2 cups (sliced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh bean sprouts
2 cups (for crunch)
sliced almonds
1/2 cup (optional (can substitute with water chestnuts))
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (for flavor)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2
Incorporate the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, add the sliced celery, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
5
After the pork is tender, stir in the fresh bean sprouts and optional sliced almonds (or water chestnuts) into the mixture.
6
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Gently stir this mixture into the pork and vegetable mixture, continuing to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7
Serve immediately over cooked chow mein noodles or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
28g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork Chow Mein with Crunchy Vegetables?
It is a hearty Asian-inspired dish featuring tender pork, fresh vegetables like celery and bean sprouts, and a savory soy sauce glaze.
What kind of pork should I use for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of pork cut into 1-inch pieces; lean cuts like pork loin or shoulder work well.
How long does it take to brown the pork?
The pork should be cooked in oil over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned.
Which vegetables provide the crunch in this dish?
Fresh bean sprouts and sliced celery provide the signature crunch in this chow mein recipe.
Can I substitute the sliced almonds?
Yes, you can substitute the sliced almonds with water chestnuts if you prefer or need a nut-free option.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this pork chow mein.
How do I thicken the chow mein sauce?
Whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then stir it into the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
How long should the pork and vegetables simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
What should I serve with Savory Pork Chow Mein?
This dish is best served immediately over cooked chow mein noodles or a bed of fluffy steamed rice.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 19 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 28 grams of carbohydrates.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth to add flavor and moisture for simmering.
When do I add the bean sprouts?
Stir in the fresh bean sprouts after the pork has simmered and is tender, just before adding the thickening agent.
What preparation is needed for the mushrooms?
You should use 4 ounces of mushrooms that have been sliced.
Do I need to chop the onions?
Yes, the recipe requires 1.5 cups of chopped onions.
Is the celery cooked before simmering?
No, the sliced celery is added to the broth and then simmered for 15 to 20 minutes with the pork.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
What size should I cut the pork?
The pork should be cut into small, 1-inch pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Can I make this dish nut-free?
Yes, the almonds are optional; you can omit them or replace them with water chestnuts.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a gratifying and balanced meal that is sure to please everyone's palate.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil for cooking; any neutral high-heat oil like vegetable or canola works well.
Does the recipe use fresh bean sprouts?
Yes, it specifically calls for 2 cups of fresh bean sprouts for maximum crunch.
What category of cuisine does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Asian cuisine.
How much cornstarch is needed for thickening?
You will need 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create the glaze.
Should I use a skillet or a pot?
A large skillet is recommended for browning the pork and simmering the mixture.
Is the soy sauce added directly to the skillet?
No, first whisk it with the cornstarch in a separate bowl before gently stirring it into the skillet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this Savory Pork Chow Mein recipe.
What is the total time for the simmering step?
The simmering step takes between 15 and 20 minutes until the pork is fully cooked.