Blanched Spinach and Pork Stir-fry Salad
How to Make Delicious Spinach and Pork Stir-fry Salad
A delightful side dish featuring freshly blanched spinach paired with tender, lightly fried pork, all tossed in a savory sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300g)
- 100g shredded pork (loin or tenderloin)
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- 1 ladle cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 Tbsp shredded green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- Pinch of black pepper
- A little sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching and seasoning)
- 1 ladle cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 Tbsp shredded green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- Pinch of black pepper
- A little sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching and seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim the roots off the spinach and wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. For an extra crisp texture, soak the spinach in cold water with a splash of vinegar for about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add about 1/2 Tbsp of salt to the boiling water. Carefully add the washed spinach and blanch it very briefly, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Overcooking will cause it to lose nutrients and its crispness.
Step 3
Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and help retain its vibrant green color. Once cooled, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Be careful not to press too hard, which could make the spinach mushy.
Step 4
Prepare the shredded pork. In a bowl, combine the 100g of pork with 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake), and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry quickly until it’s just cooked through. Transfer the pork to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This ensures the pork remains tender and not greasy.
Step 5
Wipe the pan clean or use a separate one. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and heat over medium-low heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them lightly until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 Tbsp of red pepper flakes and cook for about 10 seconds, being careful not to burn them, to release their aroma and color. Immediately add the shredded green onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6
Add 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp oyster sauce to the aromatics in the pan. Stir quickly to combine and cook for another 10 seconds, just until the sauce is fragrant and slightly thickened. Be mindful not to let the sauce burn.
Step 7
Place the squeezed spinach into a large mixing bowl. Top it with the stir-fried shredded pork.
Step 8
Drizzle with a pinch of black pepper and a little sesame oil. Add the remaining 1/2 Tbsp of coarse salt (adjust to your taste). Gently toss everything together with your hands, mixing carefully to ensure the spinach is coated without breaking apart.
Step 9
Transfer the beautifully mixed spinach and pork stir-fry salad to a serving dish. It should look appealing and glossy.
Step 10
This spinach and pork stir-fry salad is a fantastic side dish, offering a wonderful contrast between the crisp spinach and the savory, tender pork. The delicious, slightly spicy seasoning makes it perfect to serve over a bowl of rice. Enjoy this simple yet special dish that the whole family will love.
