Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this simple yet delicious recipe for Stir-fried Pork Belly with Bean Sprouts. This dish perfectly balances the richness of crispy pork belly with the refreshing crunch of bean sprouts, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The savory sauce, infused with aromatic spices, elevates this humble stir-fry to a culinary delight that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. It's a fantastic way to showcase the versatility of pork belly, moving beyond the usual roasts and showcasing its deliciousness in a quick and easy stir-fry.
This recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation, making it ideal for busy cooks. The combination of succulent pork, vibrant bean sprouts, and a flavorful sauce is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Ready to experience the magic of this simple yet extraordinary dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create a culinary masterpiece together.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 300g
- Bean sprouts: 400g
- Green onions: 3
- Garlic: 8 cloves
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/3 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1/3 teaspoon + a pinch
- Oyster oil: 1 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons
- Cooking oil: 6 tablespoons
- Water: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Wash and rinse the pork belly thoroughly.
- Wash the bean sprouts, remove any pods, and soak in water. Wash, trim and cut green onions into 2cm lengths. Mince the garlic.
- Combine seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, ground pepper, oyster oil, fish sauce, and water. Mix well.
- Boil the pork belly in water for about 2 minutes to firm it up and remove odor. Remove, cool, and slice into 1cm pieces.
- In a bowl, combine half the minced garlic with the sliced pork, seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, fish sauce, and ground pepper. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Pork
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until cooked.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Sauce
- Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry until slightly softened.
- Pour in the stir-fry sauce and stir-fry quickly.
- Add the green onions and stir one last time.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Don't overcook the bean sprouts, or they will become mushy.
- Stir-fry quickly to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even thinly sliced pork loin. Just adjust cooking time accordingly; leaner cuts will cook faster.
2. What if I don't have all the sauce ingredients?
Feel free to adapt! Soy sauce is essential, but you can omit or reduce other ingredients based on what you have available. A simple soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger combination will still be delicious.
3. How can I make the pork belly extra crispy?
Pat the pork belly dry before stir-frying and ensure your wok or pan is very hot with enough oil. This helps render the fat and achieve that satisfying crunch.
This Stir-fried Pork Belly with Bean Sprouts recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple cooking. With minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy pork and crunchy bean sprouts – bon appétit!