Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this mouthwatering Twice Cooked Pork with Spicy Vegetables! This beloved Chinese dish brings together tender, flavorful pork and vibrant veggies, all infused with a spicy kick that will leave you craving more. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 20 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming excess fat and cutting it into thin, uniform slices approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Carefully add the pork slices and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30-35 minutes until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the pork from the water and let it cool slightly. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and allow it to become very hot.
- Sear the pork slices in batches, creating a golden-brown crust on each side. This is the first "cooking" stage that adds deep flavor and texture.
- Remove the pork and set aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add mixed vegetables to the pan, stirring quickly to maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
- Return the pork to the pan, then add soy sauce, chili paste, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender-crisp and the pork is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The dish should have a balance of spicy, savory, and slightly salty flavors.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the pork to simmer gently in boiling water for the full 30-35 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the meat before the final sear.
- Pat Dry for Better Searing: After boiling, make sure to pat the pork slices dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help achieve that desirable golden-brown crust when searing.
- High Heat is Key: When stir-frying, ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the oil. This will help lock in the flavors and keep your vegetables crisp.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work wonderfully in this dish, adding both color and nutrition.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or chili paste to suit your personal spice preference.
- Serve with Steamed Rice: This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed rice, which helps balance the heat and soak up all the delicious sauce.By following these tips, you'll create a Twice Cooked Pork with Spicy Vegetables that’s sure to impress and delight everyone at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
