Pork Stir Fry with Cabbage
A quick and nutritious stir-fry combining tender pork and crisp cabbage in a flavorful sauce, perfect for health-conscious families.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 1 pound pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips (¼-inch thick) Choose high-quality meat for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) Can substitute with tamari for gluten-free.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps create a golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil For additional flavor.
- ½ teaspoon white pepper Can adjust to taste.
For the Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cut into 2-inch pieces Napa cabbage can be used as an alternative.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into crescents
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, julienned (optional for color)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon sugar Can adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided) For cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chicken broth or water Use for steaming if cabbage browns too quickly.
Instructions
Preparation and Marination
- Cut pork tenderloin against the grain into uniform strips, approximately ¼-inch thick. Mix in a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Prepare vegetables by chopping cabbage, slicing onions, mincing garlic, and grating ginger. Create stir-fry sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Cooking
- Heat the wok over high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add marinated pork in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir-fry until about 80% cooked.
- Remove the pork and set aside. Add remaining oil and stir-fry cabbage for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions; stir-fry for 30-45 seconds. Add onions and cook until they soften, then return the pork to the wok.
- Pour stir-fry sauce over the mixture and toss to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
Serve immediately while hot. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or cilantro for added flavor.