China Sichuan Pork, also known as Szechuan Pork, is a quintessential dish of Sichuan cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and spicy kick. This dish features tender slices of pork stir-fried with aromatic spices, crisp vegetables, and a rich, spicy sauce that showcases the distinctive flavors of Sichuan cooking.
Originating from the Sichuan province in southwestern China, Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors. The use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste, key ingredients in Sichuan cooking, reflects the region’s preference for complex, multi-layered flavors. Sichuan cuisine is also known for its unique balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty elements, making dishes like China Sichuan Pork incredibly popular both in China and internationally.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork loin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup Sichuan chili bean paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Toast Sichuan Peppercorns: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add Sichuan peppercorns and toast until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind into a fine powder.
2. Cook Pork: In the same wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add pork and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions. Stir-fry for an additional minute.
4. Incorporate Bean Paste: Add Sichuan chili bean paste and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Season: Stir in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and salt. Cook for another minute.
6. Simmer: Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add Vegetables: Stir in diced bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and sliced wood ear mushrooms. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
8. Thicken Sauce: Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
9. Serve: Enjoy hot with steamed rice.
Notes:
- Sichuan chili bean paste is a spicy, fermented chili paste available at Asian grocery stores or online.
- Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese cooking wine, found at Asian grocery stores or online.
- Wood ear mushrooms, known for their crunchy texture, are available at Asian grocery stores or online.
Nutrition Value:
1. Pork Loin (1 lb, thinly sliced)
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 40 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Sodium: 90 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 120 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12
- Minerals: Rich in zinc, iron, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. Contains important vitamins and minerals for overall health.
2. Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Calories: Approximately 240 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin E
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids and is a source of energy. However, high in calories and fat, so should be used in moderation.
3. Sichuan Peppercorns (2 tablespoons)
- Calories: Approximately 30 calories
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Rich in calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds unique flavor and a numbing sensation to dishes. Contains antioxidants and can help with digestion.
4. Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Calories: Approximately 20 calories
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains calcium, iron, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for its potential immune-boosting properties and cardiovascular benefits.
5. Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced)
- Calories: Approximately 5 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B6 and C
- Minerals: Provides potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Helps with digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Scallions (2, chopped)
- Calories: Approximately 10 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Contains calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and supports immune health.
7. Sichuan Chili Bean Paste (1/4 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 60 calories
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Contains iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds depth of flavor and spiciness. High in sodium, so use sparingly.
8. Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 10 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1,000 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Contains some potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds umami flavor; high in sodium, so use in moderation.
9. Shaoxing Wine (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Contains some potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and aroma in cooking; minimal nutritional impact.
10. Sugar (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: Approximately 16 calories
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness; high in calories with no significant nutrients.
11. Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1,200 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Provides sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; excessive use can lead to health issues.
12. Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1 gram
- Sodium: 500 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 10 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Provides potassium and sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and a small amount of nutrients; high in sodium.
13. Green Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced)
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C and A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and essential vitamins; low in calories.
14. Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced)
- Calories: Approximately 20 calories
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Contains potassium and folate
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants; supports immune health.
15. Bamboo Shoots (1/2 cup, sliced)
- Calories: Approximately 10 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B and C
- Minerals: Provides potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories, provides dietary fiber and essential minerals.
16. Wood Ear Mushrooms (1/2 cup, sliced)
- Calories: Approximately 20 calories
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds a crunchy texture and provides fiber and minerals.
17. Cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- Calories: Approximately 30 calories
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Used as a thickening agent with minimal nutritional impact.
18. Steamed Rice (for serving, 1 cup cooked)
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides iron and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: A staple source of carbohydrates for energy; low in fat and cholesterol.
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