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Pork Chow Mein

Introduction & method

Chow mein must be one of the most popular dishes in western Chinese restaurants. It's very easy to make and seriously tasty. You could also make it with chicken, beef, prawns or tofu.

 Pork Chow Mein Recipe

Prep


Remove any fat and bones from the meat (if present). Thinly slice and rub with the salt, sugar, and 5-spice powder. Set aside until needed. Cut the carrot and bell peppers into thin matchsticks. Trim the ends of the spring onions. Slice off a few rings from the green top of them, reserve for garnish. Cut the rest in half, then in half lengthways. Cut the mangetout into small squares. Peel the ginger (the edge of a teaspoon is great for doing this) and slice very thinly. Peel and slice the garlic. Drain the can of water chestnuts and slice them if necessary. Toast the sesame seeds by tossing them in a hot skillet or frying pan for 30-60 seconds until they're a little bit brown and releasing their aroma. Be careful, they burn easily. Remove from the pan and set aside until needed.

Cook the Noodles


Place the noodles in a small saucepan and cover with boiling water from a kettle. Leave for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the nests. Alternatively, boil water in the saucepan then add the noodles when the water is boiling and turn off the heat. Drain through a sieve and rinse under cold water until the noodles are cool.

Make the Chow Mein


Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the seasoned pork and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned all over. Remove to a warm plate along with any released liquid. Add another tbsp of oil to the pan and when it is hot add the carrot and bell peppers. Cook for 2 minutes then add the remaining veggies except the bean sprouts. Cook for a further 2 minutes then set aside with the meat. Add the remaining oil and the sesame oil to the wok. When it is hot add the noodles and fry for 2-3 minutes - you want some of the noodles to get a little brown and crispy. When the time is up, add the meat and vegetables - stir everything together then stir in the bean sprouts. Stir again then add the soy sauce/mirin mixture. Get everything coated and cook vigorously until the sauce has evaporated. 

Serve


Pile the chow mein onto warmed plates, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onion tops. Use chopsticks to spread the food all over your face and shirt. Bon appetit!

 


The video above is from the Keef Cooks YouTube channel. Click here to see the video recipe of Pork Chow Mein on YouTube.

 
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Ingredients & Info


CHOW MEIN
 500 grams pork tenderloin or loin chops
 200 grams medium egg noodles
 1 tsp Chinese 5-spice powder
 1 tsp sea salt
 1 tsp ground black pepper
 3 tbsp vegetable oil
 1 tbsp sesame oil
 225 grams canned sliced water chestnuts
 1 small red pepper
 1 small green pepper
 1 medium carrot
 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
 3 cloves garlic
 3 spring onions
 50 grams mangetout or sugar-snap peas
 50 grams shiitake mushrooms
 50 grams bean sprouts
SAUCE
 2 tbsp demerara sugar
 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
 2 tbsp mirin (rice wine) or dry sherry
 2 tsp cornflour
 100 ml water
GARNISH
 2 tsp sesame seeds
 2 tsp green top of spring onion

UNITS:
Metric
US Customary/Imperial

Serves 4 -6
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cooking time: 10 minutes.
Total time: 25 minutes.