When it comes to the rich culinary landscape of Jiangxi province in China, Pingxiang stands out for its unique flavors and cooking techniques. One of the most beloved dishes from this region is the stirfried pork, a dish that captures the essence of Jiangxi cuisine through its use of fragrant spices, fresh vegetables, and expertly cooked meat. This article will walk you through the detailed steps to recreate this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare Pingxiang stirfried pork, you will need the following ingredients:
500g of pork tenderloin or shoulder
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (preferably light soy sauce)
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon of cooking wine (Shaoxing wine is preferred)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (such as peanut or canola oil)
1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small piece of ginger, minced
2 spring onions, chopped
1 tablespoon of chili paste or fresh red chili (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
1. Marinate the Pork:
Begin by slicing the pork tenderloin into thin strips, around 1/4 inch thick. This allows for quick cooking and helps to keep the meat tender.
In a mixing bowl, add the sliced pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure that all the pork is coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 2030 minutes. This step infuses the meat with flavor and tenderizes it.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pork is marinating, wash and slice the bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger and chop the spring onions, separating the white parts from the green tops.
If you’re including chili for heat, prepare that as well.
3. Heat the Wok:
Place a wok or large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the ingredients; this will help achieve a nice sear on the pork.
4. StirFry the Pork:
Add the marinated pork to the hot wok and spread it out evenly. Allow it to sear without stirring for about 12 minutes to obtain a nice color.
Once browned, stirfry the pork until it is cooked through, around 34 minutes. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.
5. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced ginger and garlic, and stirfry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then add the sliced onions and bell pepper, and stirfry for another 23 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Return the cooked pork to the wok and mix with the vegetables. If you are using chili paste, add it now and stir well to combine all ingredients.
Season with salt, pepper, and the chopped white parts of the spring onion. Stirfry everything together for another minute, ensuring that the flavors meld together.
7. Final Touches:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped green tops of the spring onion over the stirfried pork for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Remove the wok from heat and prepare to serve your delicious Pingxiang stirfried pork!
Serving Suggestions
Pingxiang stirfried pork pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, as the tender meat and vibrant vegetables create a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. You can also serve it alongside some stirfried greens or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
With its simple yet bold flavors, Pingxiang stirfried pork is a fantastic introduction to Jiangxi cuisine. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow the steps above, and you’ll be able to bring a taste of Jiangxi right to your dining table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!