Are you craving a flavorful, quick weeknight dinner that's both satisfying and healthy? Look no further! This Pork Chop Suey recipe is your answer. Forget takeout – this easy-to-follow recipe lets you whip up a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen, using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. It's the perfect blend of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that will become a family favorite in no time. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- 1 lb boneless pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 (15-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Culinary Magic
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Cooking the Pork and Veggies:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the wok and set aside.
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Add the onion and garlic to the wok and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Bringing it all Together:
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Return the pork to the wok. Pour the cornstarch mixture over the pork and vegetables. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This usually takes just a minute or two.
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Stir in the water chestnuts and black pepper.
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Garnish with green onions, if desired.
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Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips and Tricks for Chop Suey Success
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When stir-frying, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the vegetables from steaming instead of stir-frying. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger to your liking.
- Add more veggies: Get creative with your vegetables! Mushrooms, snow peas, bean sprouts, or zucchini would all be delicious additions.
Variations: Explore the Flavor Spectrum
- Chicken Chop Suey: Substitute the pork with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Shrimp Chop Suey: Use 1 lb of shrimp instead of pork. Cook the shrimp for a shorter time to prevent overcooking.
- Spicy Chop Suey: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Pork Chop Suey recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy!