Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Pork Chow Fun, a Cantonese classic that's guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. This stir-fry noodle dish features tender, savory pork, perfectly cooked wide rice noodles, and a vibrant medley of vegetables all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Forget complicated takeout orders; this recipe simplifies the process, delivering restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. The key lies in achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors – from the crisp-tender vegetables to the glossy, flavorful sauce coating every strand of noodle.
Prepare to be amazed by how quickly and easily you can create this delicious dish. Forget the lengthy prep times and complex techniques often associated with Asian cuisine; our recipe breaks down each step for a straightforward and stress-free cooking experience. Ready to dive into the simple yet rewarding journey of making your own delectable Pork Chow Fun? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Pot
- Chopsticks
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Pork
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Super thin noodles (angel hair)
- Hot water
- Oyster sauce
- Pork lard: 2 tablespoons
- Five spice powder
- Eggs: 2
- Onion
- Carrot
- Bean sprouts
- Chives
- Sesame seeds
- Chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Marinate
- Cut pork into strips. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2. Cook Noodles and Prepare Aromatics
- Soak noodles in hot water (not boiling) until small bubbles rise. Soak for 1 minute for thin noodles, adjust time for thicker noodles. Drain completely and shake off excess water.
- Mix noodles with soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, pork lard, and five-spice powder.
- Beat eggs well.
- Preheat wok until smoking hot. Add pork lard, swirl, and pour in eggs. Cook for 30 seconds, remove and set aside.
Step 3. Stir-Fry Pork and Vegetables
- Add more pork lard to wok. Stir-fry marinated pork until color changes.
- Add onion and carrot. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add rice noodles and stir-fry over high heat to prevent sticking.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add bean sprouts and chives at the end (they only take 20 seconds to cook).
- Add sesame seeds and chili flakes (optional). Toss and serve.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Prevent noodles from breaking and sticking: Soak noodles in hot water, not boiling. Use high heat while stir-frying. Use a wok with good non-stick properties (or use enough oil). Fluff noodles with chopsticks or tongs, not a spatula.
- For best texture: Use the hot water soaking method to maintain the chewy texture of the noodles.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
While wide rice noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other noodles like flat egg noodles or even spaghetti, though the texture might differ slightly.
2. What if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
Feel free to substitute! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand – broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc., all work well.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it for a few more minutes uncovered to reduce the liquid. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) for extra thickening.
With its simple steps and incredible flavor, this Perfect Pork Chow Fun recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delicious Cantonese classic at home!