Today, let’s embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Chinese cuisine, where the delightful simplicity of Pork with Snow Peas comes to life. This dish, with its tender pork and crisp snow peas, has always been a personal favorite, and I can’t wait to share its magic with you.
A Brief History: Pork with Snow Peas is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its simple yet flavorful profile. It’s traditionally made by stir-frying thinly sliced pork and fresh snow peas in a savory sauce. The combination of the tender pork and the crunchy snow peas creates a delightful contrast that’s truly irresistible.
Chinese Pork with Snow Peas
Equipment
- 1 wok
- 1 medium or large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin cubed
- 1 pound snow peas cleaned and trimmed
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts
- 2 cloves garlic crushed and minced (divided)
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger minced or grated (divided)
- 4-5 green onions finely sliced with greens and whites separated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine
- 11/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 11/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch divided
- 2 tablespoons peanut or other preferred oil
- Salt and pepper
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing a marinade for the pork: Combine the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, approximately half of the garlic and ginger in a medium or large bowl. Whisk until blended. Add in 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch and whisk thoroughly until well blended and free of any clumping. Add cubed pork to bowl and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for 30- 60 minutes.
- Preheat wok over medium-high heat. Add enough peanut oil to coat with some residual at the bottom.
- While the oil is heating, mix one teaspoon of the cornstarch with enough water to make a clump free, thin paste. Set aside for later use.
- Add snow peas, garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts to the wok. Cook, tossing gently for approximately 1-2 minutes until snow peas start to turn a brighter shade of green. Season with salt and pepper if desired, remove from pan and set aside.
- Return the wok to the heat and add more peanut oil. Add the pork, including the marinade, and sauté until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Once pork is browned, return snow pea mixture to pan. Add hoisin sauce and cornstarch mixture. Toss ingredients gently to coat, and cook for 3minutes or until sauce begins to thicken.
- Serve immediately with rice.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Pork with Snow Peas is a culinary journey that requires attention to detail, a love for flavor, and a willingness to experiment. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered over the years that might help you on your journey.
- Choose Your Cut: The cut of pork you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Lean cuts like pork tenderloin or loin chops work well in this dish as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. However, if you prefer a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you could opt for pork shoulder or belly. Just remember, these cuts may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
- Prep Your Snow Peas: Snow peas are best when they’re crisp and vibrant. To achieve this, make sure to remove the strings from each pod before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking your snow peas – they should be cooked just until they turn bright green and are still slightly crunchy.
- Balance Your Flavors: The magic of Pork with Snow Peas lies in the balance between the savory pork, sweet snow peas, and tangy sauce. When making your sauce, start with equal parts of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth, then adjust according to your taste. Remember, it’s easier to add more than to take away!
- Sear Your Pork: Before stir-frying your pork with the snow peas, make sure to sear it first. This not only gives the pork a beautiful brown color but also locks in the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Use a Wok: If possible, use a wok for stir-frying. Its high, sloping sides and wide top allow for quick, even cooking, which is essential for stir-fry dishes.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: When stir-frying, make sure not to overcrowd your pan or wok. This ensures that the pork and snow peas cook evenly and get a nice, caramelized exterior.
- Finish with a Slurry: To give your dish a glossy, restaurant-style finish, mix a little cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into your dish at the end of cooking. This will thicken your sauce and give it a beautiful sheen.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: While Pork with Snow Peas is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts could add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dish.
Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. These tips are just guidelines – feel free to tweak them to suit your taste. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, the best dishes are made with love!
How to Serve Pork with Snow Peas
Serving Pork with Snow Peas is about more than just plating a dish; it’s about creating a culinary experience that delights all your senses. Here’s how you can turn a simple stir-fry into a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
- Choose the Right Plate: The first step in serving Pork with Snow Peas is choosing the right plate. A large, flat plate works best as it allows room for the pork, snow peas, and any sides without crowding. If you have traditional Chinese plates, even better! The white color of the plate provides a beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors of the dish.
- Arrange Your Components: Start by placing a mound of steamed rice on one side of the plate. Then, arrange your Pork with Snow Peas next to it. The key is to create a balance of colors and textures. The tender, savory pork should be nestled against the bright, crisp snow peas, creating a visually appealing contrast.
- Add Your Sides: On the other side of the plate, add your chosen sides. This could be anything from a small salad to some pickled vegetables or a bowl of soup. The goal is to complement the main dish and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
- Drizzle with Sauce: If you’ve made a sauce for your Pork with Snow Peas, now’s the time to drizzle it over the dish. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish a glossy, appetizing look.
- Garnish: For a final touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the Pork with Snow Peas. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory pork and sweet snow peas.
- Pair with a Drink: To complete your meal, pair your Pork with Snow Peas with a drink. A cold Tsingtao beer or a glass of plum wine complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a hot jasmine tea or a chilled chrysanthemum tea would be a great choice.
- Serve Immediately: Remember, Pork with Snow Peas is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting meal.
Serving Pork with Snow Peas is about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about taking your taste buds on a journey. So take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the culinary adventure that is Pork with Snow Peas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for Pork with Snow Peas?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken, beef, or even tofu. Just remember, the cooking time may vary.
Can I make Pork with Snow Peas without a wok?
Yes, you can cook it in a regular frying pan. The key is to maintain a high heat and stir your ingredients quickly for even cooking.
Can I substitute the snow peas?
Yes, you can substitute them with other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. However, snow peas add a unique sweetness and crunch to the dish.
My fascination with Pork with Snow Peas goes beyond its delicious taste. It’s about how a simple dish can hold so much flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for the first time or have been perfecting it for years, the charm of this dish never fades. So, here’s to many more culinary adventures!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the world of Pork with Snow Peas as much as I have. If you have any more questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, the joy of food is best when shared.