Indulge your taste buds with a delectable twist on a classic favorite. This tantalizing Mongolian pork recipe takes the renowned dish but swaps out beef for thinly sliced pork, resulting in a dish that is both sweet and savory. The best part? It can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Key Takeaways
A Homemade Delight
While Chinese take-out is always a tempting option, why not bring the flavors of the Orient into your own kitchen? From chicken and vegetable stir fry to gluten-free orange chicken, the possibilities are endless. One dish that particularly stands out is Mongolian beef. However, let’s shake things up a bit and introduce pork into the mix.
Unraveling the Magic
The key lies in the sauce – a delightful blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and dark brown sugar. As the dark brown sugar melts, it creates a rich, molasses-like sauce that perfectly complements the pork. The pork, quickly cooked with a touch of cornstarch, achieves a crispy yet juicy texture. The secret to this Mongolian pork recipe lies in the harmonious balance between the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce.
Ingredient Notes
To create this succulent dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pork: Opt for pork tenderloin, which is not only easy to slice but also works wonders in other recipes.
- Cornstarch: It both crisps up the pork and thickens the sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: These two flavors take center stage, adding a warm and nutty essence to the dish.
- Soy sauce: This is where the saltiness comes from.
- Dark brown sugar: It balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe, there’s room for experimentation. Consider these ingredient swaps:
- Meat: While it’s called Mongolian pork for a reason, you can venture into using flank steak or chicken.
- Cornstarch alternative: If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, all-purpose flour makes for a suitable substitute.
- Sugar substitute: If you prefer a different sugar variant, light brown sugar or even granulated sugar will work just as well.
Preparing the Dish
Let’s walk through the steps with visual aids:
- Begin by tossing thinly sliced pork in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cook the pork in a skillet with some oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until it’s both cooked and slightly charred. Once done, transfer the pork to a separate dish.
- In the same skillet, cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Then, add soy sauce, sugar, and water, allowing it to come to a boil. Once the sauce is ready, reintroduce the pork, tossing it gently to coat each piece.
FAQs
Have a question about this mouthwatering dish? Here are some commonly asked questions:
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- For easier slicing, place the pork in the freezer for 10-30 minutes.
- To ensure even cooking, be consistent in the size of your pork slices.
- Cook the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet or wok, which could lower the cooking temperature.
- If you’re a fan of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a quarter teaspoon at a time, for an extra kick.
A Final Note
If you’ve had the pleasure of trying this Mongolian pork recipe or any other delightful creation from Chisel & Fork, please share your experience in the comments below! For more mouthwatering meals and exciting updates, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. And if you’re looking for more meaty goodness, be sure to check out Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ for an unforgettable barbecue experience.