Pork and pepper stir-fry is a beloved dish for many reasons. The crunchy green peppers provide a delightful contrast to the tender meat, while the vegetables soak up the savory flavors, creating an irresistible meal. Additionally, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy families, combining both meat and vegetables into a quick and balanced dinner option.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for preparing pork and pepper stir-fry.
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Main Ingredients for Preparing Pork and Pepper Stir-fry
- Pork: Pork loin is the main ingredient used in this recipe. Alternatively, pork belly can be used for a more tender option due to its higher fat content, but I prefer the leaner cut of loin for a healthier meal.
- Chili Pepper: This dish traditionally uses green chili peppers, which can be quite spicy. However, I’ve opted for green bell peppers for this recipe. You can also substitute or add red bell pepper for a pop of color.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: For an extra kick and a hint of Sichuan flavor, add Sichuan peppercorns to hot oil before sautéing the ingredients. Let them steep over low heat for about 30 seconds until the oil becomes fragrant, then remove the peppercorns and use the infused oil to stir-fry the bell peppers and pork.
How to Prepare Pork and Green Pepper Stir-fry
- Begin by slicing the pork loin into thin strips and placing them in cold water. Quickly remove them and squeeze out any excess water (this step is optional).
- In a large bowl, combine the pork with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well, then add half an egg white and combine thoroughly. Drizzle in some peanut or vegetable oil to coat the pork, and let it marinate for 15 minutes to ensure tenderness.
- While the pork marinates, prepare a tablespoon of chopped fresh garlic and ginger. If you like a bit of spice, cut open a few dried chilies, remove the seeds, and rinse them.
- Remove the core from a green bell pepper and slice it into thin strips. You may also add red onion for added sweetness and color.
- Heat vegetable oil over low to medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns to the oil until aromatic, about 1 minute, then remove them.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the marinated pork in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 15 seconds, flip the pork, and sear for another 15 seconds. Stir-fry continuously until fully cooked, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the cooked pork, leaving the oil in the wok. Use the remaining oil to sauté the garlic, ginger, and dried chilies until fragrant.
- Add the sliced green peppers and stir-fry until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
- Return the pork to the wok and mix it with the peppers. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or a bit more light soy sauce if desired.
- Stir-fry over high heat for about 20 seconds, then remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma.
Tips for Making the Best Pork and Pepper Stir-fry
- For optimal results, use a well-seasoned cast-iron wok. While a non-stick pan or large skillet can work, they may not withstand the high heat needed for authentic stir-frying.
- Marinating the pork is essential. The acidic seasonings tenderize the meat, while the cornstarch and egg white form a protective coating that prevents toughness during cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with other seasonings such as oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground white pepper, and Hoisin sauce to create unique flavor profiles.
Is Rinsing the Pork Necessary?
Many chefs rinse pork before marinating for several reasons. It helps remove surface impurities and reduces the strong raw meat smell. While some modern food safety guidelines advise against washing meat due to cross-contamination risks, traditional cooks often continue this practice. If you’re uncomfortable with rinsing, feel free to skip this step; it won’t significantly affect the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pork and pepper stir-fry with freshly steamed Jasmine rice. This simple recipe, made from basic ingredients, delivers bold flavors and offers a delightful twist on traditional stir-fries.
