Wok Down Memory Lane

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Shredded Pork

In bustling family kitchens, the aroma of sizzling shredded pork often fills the air, bringing everyone to the dinner table. Each bite is a nostalgic journey, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. It's a dish that transcends generations, passed down with love and savored with delight.

Ingredients:

1. Pork: 1/2 pound, sliced

2. Green bell peppers: 1 large or 2 small, sliced

3. Carrot: 1, sliced

4. Dried wood ear mushrooms: 10 pieces, rehydrated and sliced

5. Marination for Pork Slices:

- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp

- Water mixed with cornstarch: 3 tbsp water + 1 tbsp cornstarch

- Cooking oil: 1 tbsp

- Salt: 1/3 tbsp

- White pepper powder: 1/3 tbsp

6. Ginger: 2 slices, minced

7. Scallions: 6 slices

8. Garlic: 3 cloves, smashed and minced

9. Pixian Doubanjiang (broad bean paste): 1 tbsp

10. Sauce (4321 Principle):

- Vinegar: 4 tbsp

- Water: 3 tbsp

- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp

- Sugar: 1 tbsp

- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp

- Salt: 1/2 tbsp

- MSG (optional): 1/5 tbsp

Method:

1. Combine soy sauce, water mixed with cornstarch, cooking oil, salt, and white pepper powder. Marinate the pork slices evenly.

2. Mince ginger, smash and mince garlic, and slice scallions.

3. To prepare the sauce, mix vinegar, water, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and MSG (if using) in a bowl.

4. To start the stir-fry, heat oil in a wok, stir-fry minced ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add marinated pork slices, stir-fry until cooked, then set aside. Heat the wok again with oil, add Pixian Doubanjiang, stir quickly.

5. Add scallions and carrot, stir-fry for 1 minute.

6. Add wood ear mushrooms, stir-fry for 2 minutes.

7. Add green bell peppers, stir-fry until slightly tender.

8. Pour the sauce along the edges of the wok, stir-fry until sauces are well combined.

Serving Recommendations:

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed rice.

Contributor:

The contributor of this dish, a devoted mother of two daughters, lovingly prepares this savory shredded pork to welcome them home after a busy school day. This comforting recipe has become a family favorite, symbolizing the warmth of home and the joy of shared meals. Her daughters' love for her cooking inspires her to continually explore and perfect new dishes.