Szechuan Pork Spaghetti Delight
This Szechuan Pork Spaghetti Delight is a quick and satisfying dish that brings together the comforting flavors of spaghetti and the vibrant, bold tastes of Chinese cuisine. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can prepare the marinated pork the night before for a hassle-free cooking experience. The savory blend of garlic, scallions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a rich sauce that penetrates the succulent ground pork and perfectly coats the al dente spaghetti. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family, from the pickiest eaters to the keenest food lovers, making it a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground pork
1 lb (raw)
Thin spaghetti
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Scallions
6 (chopped and divided into thirds)
Garlic cloves
4 (finely chopped and divided in half)
Garlic and red chili paste
1 tablespoon (found in the Asian aisle of your market)
Soy sauce
4 tablespoons (divided (use low sodium))
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Oyster sauce
3-4 tablespoons (as needed)
Water
1/2 cup (for simmering)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, 2 tablespoons of the chopped scallions, half of the finely chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
2
In a large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the marinated pork mixture and cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces until it is browned and cooked through. Stir in the reserved garlic and the second third of the green onions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until fragrant.
3
Add the garlic and red chili paste, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning; if the sauce is too salty, add more water and simmer for another minute.
4
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce and pork mixture. Cook for an additional minute to heat the spaghetti through.
5
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped scallions for an extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Pork Spaghetti Delight?
It is a quick and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti with the bold, vibrant tastes of Chinese cuisine.
How much ground pork is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground pork.
What kind of pasta should I use?
You should use 8 ounces of thin spaghetti, cooked according to package directions.
How should the scallions be prepared?
You need 6 scallions, chopped and divided into thirds for different stages of cooking.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped and divided in half.
What is the recommended marinating time for the pork?
The pork should be marinated for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
What ingredients go into the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of ground pork, 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions, half the garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Where can I find garlic and red chili paste?
Garlic and red chili paste can typically be found in the Asian aisle of your local market.
How much soy sauce is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of soy sauce is used, and low sodium is recommended.
How much sesame oil is needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, divided between the marinade and the skillet.
How much oyster sauce is used?
The recipe suggests 3-4 tablespoons of oyster sauce, or as needed for flavor.
What is the purpose of adding water?
1/2 cup of water is used for simmering the sauce and can be adjusted if the sauce is too salty.
How do I cook the marinated pork?
Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat, add the pork, and break it into small pieces until browned and cooked through.
When do I add the second portion of garlic and scallions?
Add the reserved garlic and the second third of the scallions after the pork is browned, then cook for 2 minutes.
How long should the sauce mixture simmer?
Let the mixture of chili paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water simmer for 2-3 minutes.
What should I do if the sauce tastes too salty?
If the sauce is too salty, add more water and simmer for an additional minute.
When is the spaghetti added to the dish?
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet after the sauce has simmered and seasonings have been adjusted.
How long do I toss the spaghetti in the pan?
Toss the spaghetti for about one minute to ensure it is evenly coated and heated through.
What is used as a garnish?
Garnish the dish with the remaining third of the chopped scallions for extra crunch and flavor.
Can this recipe be made quickly?
Yes, it is described as a quick meal and an easy dinner option for busy weeknights.
Is this dish family friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a hit with everyone from picky eaters to food lovers.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features Asian flavors including savory garlic, scallions, sesame, and oyster sauce.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, once the pasta is boiled, the rest of the components are prepared in a single skillet or wok.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the pork in this dish?
The ground pork is cooked until it is succulent and broken into small, browned pieces.
What type of spaghetti is specifically mentioned?
Thin spaghetti is recommended for this recipe.
Can I prepare the pork the night before?
Yes, preparing the marinated pork the night before makes for a hassle-free cooking experience the next day.
What equipment is best for cooking the pork?
A large skillet or a wok is ideal for cooking the pork and mixing in the spaghetti.
How is the spaghetti described in the final dish?
The spaghetti should be al dente and perfectly coated in the rich, savory sauce.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the ground pork with scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl for marinating.