How to Make Stir-fried Pork with Green Onions: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Few aromas are as enticing as the savory scent of stir-fried pork with green onions wafting from the kitchen. This classic dish, with roots in Chinese cuisine, is a symphony of textures and tastes. Tender pork, crisp-tender green onions, and a savory sauce combine to create a truly satisfying meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Unveiling the Magic: Ingredients & Tools

What You’ll Need to Recreate This Classic:

• Pork: 1 pound pork loin or tenderloin, sliced thinly against the grain (Substitute: Chicken, beef, or tofu for a different twist)
• Green Onions: 1 bunch, white and green parts separated, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (Optional: Adds a rich, savory depth)
• Shaoxing Wine: 1 tablespoon (Substitute: Dry sherry or mirin)
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Kitchen Essentials:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok’s sloping sides are ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet works well too.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping those ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating and combining the sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stir-Fry Perfection:

1. The Marinade: Infusing Flavor into Every Bite

1. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced pork and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Allow marinating for at least 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the pork and allows it to absorb the flavors.

2. Stir-Fry Time: Where the Magic Happens

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it turns white and is almost cooked through. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.

3. Aromatic Base: Building Layers of Flavor

1. In the same wok, add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t overcook, as it can make them bitter.

4. Bringing It All Together

1. Return the cooked pork to the wok.
2. Add the white parts of the green onions and stir-fry for another minute.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Pour this sauce mixture into the wok and stir well to coat everything evenly.
4. Finally, add the green parts of the green onions and stir-fry for just another minute until they wilt slightly but remain vibrant. Overcooking the green onions will make them lose their crunch.

Serving & Savoring Your Stir-Fry Masterpiece:

Serve this aromatic stir-fried pork with green onions immediately over steamed rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal.

Tips from the Chef’s Table:

• Velveting the Pork: For extra tender pork, try “velveting” it. This involves marinating the pork in a mixture of cornstarch, egg white, and a little oil before stir-frying.
• Heat Control: Maintaining high heat is crucial for stir-frying. This ensures quick cooking and prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: If you overcrowd the wok, the temperature will drop, and the ingredients will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary.

Stir-fried Pork with Green Onions

Flavorful Variations & Substitutions:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
• Veggie Delight: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. You can find a great recipe for stir-fried pork with green peppers here.
• Sweet & Savory: For a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use a different cut of pork? Absolutely! Pork shoulder, loin, or tenderloin work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? While best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Preparing Stir-Fry

Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to put on your chef’s hat and create this flavorful stir-fry. Let us know how your culinary adventure goes in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore our other delicious stir-fry recipes like this tantalizing beef and pepper stir-fry or this vibrant beef and asparagus stir-fry.