Spicy and Savory Stir-fried Pork with Chives
Super Easy Dinner Menu! Stir-fried Pork with Chives Recipe with a Chinese-Inspired Flavor
Chives, with their subtle yet distinct aroma and crisp texture, are a versatile ingredient that can balance the richness of meat. While not a strong spice, their unique, mild pungency makes them a fantastic addition to meat dishes, cutting through greasiness and enhancing the overall harmony. I often add them at the end of cooking dishes like chicken soup for flavor and texture, and I particularly enjoy using them in various stir-fries. They lend a delightful Chinese culinary touch to stir-fried dishes, which I find very appealing. Today, we’ll be making a simple yet flavorful stir-fried pork with chives, using a special sauce that blends Gochujang (Korean chili paste) with a touch of Doubanjiang (Chinese broad bean paste) for an added layer of Chinese-inspired flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 200g Sliced Pork Neck
- 150g Fresh Chives
- 1 Korean Green Chili Pepper (Cheongyang pepper)
- 1 Scallion
- 1/2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Chinese-Inspired Special Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Doubanjiang (Chinese broad bean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Doubanjiang (Chinese broad bean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the chives. It’s important to trim them properly. Remove any wilted, dried, or mushy ends, ensuring you use only the fresh parts. This step is crucial for maintaining the chives’ crisp texture and fresh aroma.
Step 2
Trim about 1 cm off the tough bottom ends of the chives, then cut them into approximately 4 cm lengths. Wash the cut chives gently under cool running water to remove any dirt, and then drain them well in a colander. Letting them drain properly will prevent the dish from becoming watery.
Step 3
Thinly slice the Korean green chili pepper diagonally for a bit of heat, and finely chop the scallion to use as a garnish later. These additions will enhance both the flavor and visual appeal of the finished dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s mix the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 1 Tbsp Doubanjiang, 1/2 Tbsp Honey, 1 Tbsp Mirin, 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic, 1/3 tsp Black Pepper, 1 Tbsp Gochugaru, and 2 Tbsp Water. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. Preparing the sauce in advance will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 5
Preheat a frying pan over high heat for about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 Tbsp of cooking oil, then add the sliced pork neck. Stir-fry the pork until its surface is lightly browned. Searing the pork first adds a richer, savory flavor to the dish.
Step 6
Once the pork is nicely browned (after about 3-4 minutes), add all the prepared Chinese-inspired special sauce. Stir-fry the pork with the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Step 7
As the sauce begins to coat the pork, add the prepared chives and the diagonally sliced Korean green chili pepper. Keep the heat on high during this stage.
Step 8
Continue to stir-fry over high heat for about 3 more minutes. The key is to cook the chives just enough so they wilt slightly but retain their crispness. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil to finish and add a lovely aroma. Your delicious stir-fried pork with chives is now ready! Garnish with the chopped scallions and sesame seeds for an appetizing presentation.
Step 9
This stir-fried pork with chives offers a delightful blend of spicy and savory flavors with a subtle Chinese flair. The mild pungency and fresh crunch of the chives effectively cut through the richness of the pork, making it a satisfying and light dish. The combination of the crisp chives and tender pork is truly wonderful. Enjoy this delicious meal for dinner tonight! 🙂
