This Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry combines tender pork with earthy mushrooms and a savory sauce, creating a perfectly balanced dish. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, making it a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and full of taste.
This stir-fry is incredibly versatile and can be customized by adding other vegetables or adjusting the sauce to suit your preferences. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish is perfect for any night of the week when you need something quick, easy, and delicious.
Full Recipe:
- 300g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pork slices and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and onion to the pan, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms have softened.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and mushrooms, stirring to coat evenly. Add 1/4 cup water and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry: A Deliciously Easy Chinese Recipe
The Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry is a comforting and flavorful dish commonly found in Chinese households. This recipe brings together tender slices of pork and the earthy goodness of mushrooms, cooked in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and a hint of sesame oil. It’s a perfect example of how Chinese stir-frying techniques can create a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal, all while preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Why Pork and Mushrooms Make the Perfect Pairing
Pork and mushrooms are a classic pairing in Chinese cuisine, where the two ingredients complement each other perfectly. The pork, when thinly sliced, becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the rich flavors of the stir-fry sauce. Mushrooms, on the other hand, add an earthy depth to the dish, soaking up the savory sauce and providing a delightful contrast in texture.
In traditional Chinese cooking, stir-frying is one of the most common techniques used to prepare meats, especially during busy weekdays when a quick yet nutritious meal is needed. The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its simplicity and versatility—while the base recipe calls for shiitake mushrooms, you can experiment with other types such as button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or even enoki mushrooms depending on your preference or what’s available.
The Cultural Significance of Stir-Frying in Chinese Cuisine
Stir-frying is one of the oldest and most revered cooking methods in Chinese cuisine. Originating in ancient China, stir-frying allows the chef to cook food quickly at high heat, preserving its texture, nutrients, and natural flavors. This cooking method is not only efficient but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy home cooks or anyone seeking a meal in a short amount of time.
In Chinese culture, the stir-fry is often associated with balance. The technique allows the ingredients to cook evenly while maintaining their individual flavors and textures. This is particularly important in a stir-fry like the Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry, where the pork’s savory notes meld with the umami-rich sauce and the mild flavor of the mushrooms. Additionally, stir-frying retains the color and appearance of vegetables, making dishes look vibrant and appetizing.
The Health Benefits of Pork and Mushrooms
In addition to being delicious, pork and mushrooms are both highly nutritious. Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein and provides a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production and overall health. Mushrooms, particularly shiitake mushrooms, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin D), and minerals like potassium and selenium, which contribute to a healthy immune system and improved skin health.
The addition of vegetables, such as onions and garlic, further enhances the nutritional profile of the dish. Garlic, for instance, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. The dish as a whole can be considered a balanced meal, offering a good mix of protein, vitamins, and fiber, while being relatively low in calories.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners and Meal Prep
One of the biggest advantages of the Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry is how quickly it comes together. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and full of flavor. The preparation time is minimal—about 10 minutes—and it cooks in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal option for anyone with a busy schedule.
Another great thing about this stir-fry is that it keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. After cooking, simply allow the dish to cool before storing it in airtight containers. It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge, and can be quickly reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Customize Your Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry
While the basic recipe is incredibly tasty on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish based on your tastes or dietary preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can easily add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. If you like your stir-fries with more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the mix.
For a healthier twist, you could replace the pork with chicken breast or tofu, both of which work well with the savory sauce and complement the mushrooms. If you’re looking to reduce the sodium content, try using low-sodium soy sauce or a homemade stir-fry sauce with fewer salty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
The Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps absorb the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, it can be paired with noodles for a heartier meal. To make the dish even more visually appealing, garnish it with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a touch of color and texture.
You can also serve it alongside other Chinese dishes to create a full meal, such as steamed dumplings, fried rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a complete Chinese-inspired feast, consider pairing the stir-fry with a light and fruity tea, such as jasmine tea, which complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Conclusion: A Classic Comfort Dish You Can Enjoy Anytime
In conclusion, the Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry is a versatile and delicious dish that highlights the beauty of Chinese cooking. With its perfect balance of savory flavors, tender meat, and earthy mushrooms, this stir-fry will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to suit different tastes, and offers a healthy, well-rounded meal in less than 30 minutes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this dish is a great addition to your recipe collection. It’s a true representation of Chinese home-cooked meals—simple, delicious, and made with love. Give it a try next time you’re looking for a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
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Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
This Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry combines tender pork with earthy mushrooms and a savory sauce, creating a perfectly balanced dish. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, making it a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and full of taste.
This stir-fry is incredibly versatile and can be customized by adding other vegetables or adjusting the sauce to suit your preferences. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish is perfect for any night of the week when you need something quick, easy, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 300g pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pork slices and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and onion to the pan, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms have softened.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and mushrooms, stirring to coat evenly. Add 1/4 cup water and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Once the sauce has thickened, garnish with green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes