Szechuan Pork
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
280 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Asian
Szechuan Pork
Description
Szechuan Pork involves marinating thin pork tenderloin slices with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch to tenderize and infuse flavor. The pork is briefly stir-fried until just cooked and set aside. Bell peppers, onion, garlic, and fresh ginger are cooked until slightly softened but retain some crispness. The pork is returned to the pan with a sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and seasoning including ground Szechuan pepper and red chili flakes. A splash of chicken broth helps combine the flavors and create a glossy coating. This method preserves the pork's tenderness and offers a balanced spicy heat typical in Szechuan cooking.
The vibrant bell peppers and pungent aromatics add freshness and complexity, making this stir-fry a hearty entrée best served alongside rice or noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce. It provides a straightforward way to enjoy characteristics of Szechuan cuisine at home.
Adjusting the amount of Szechuan pepper and dried chili flakes can tailor the spice level. Preparing the pork in thin slices and marinating before cooking ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Serving immediately maintains the crispness of the vegetables and warmth of the pork.
Ingredients
For Pork Marinade
- 1 pound pork tenderloin thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For The Szechuan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon Szechuan pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For The Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium bell pepper 1 red, 1 green, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 medium onion cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth low sodium
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the pork slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons rice wine, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This little wait will make the pork tender and flavorful.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ground Szechuan pepper, and the red pepper flakes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until it's just cooked through and slightly browned. It should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Toss in the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry these veggies for about 2-3 minutes until they're just softened but still crisp.
- Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the Szechuan sauce and chicken broth, then stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Serve this Szechuan Pork hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Slice pork tenderloin thinly for quick, tender cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Marinate pork for about 10 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and taste.
- Adjust Szechuan pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve the dish hot with steamed rice or noodles to complement the sauce.
- To make a vegetarian version, replace pork with pressed tofu and follow the same cooking steps.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 280kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 631mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 703mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1907IU | 38% |
| Vitamin C | 79mg | 88% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.