Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Asian Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant dish featuring tender strips of pork tenderloin, crisp broccoli, and carrots tossed in a flavorful ginger-garlic sauce, designed as a healthy alternative to takeout.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless pork tenderloin chops, cut into 1/4 inch strips.
How should the pork be prepared before marinating?
You can optionally soak the sliced pork in a mixture of water and white vinegar for a few minutes, then rinse and pat dry for a clean taste.
What ingredients are in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ginger, sesame oil, and sugar.
How long should the pork marinate?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed total?
A total of 6 garlic cloves are used in this recipe, finely chopped.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The recipe uses one large head of broccoli, two carrots, and one small onion.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced on an angle.
What is used to thicken the stir-fry sauce?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is mixed with the remaining marinade and chicken stock to thicken the sauce.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
Canola oil is used for stir-frying because of its high smoke point, and sesame oil is used for flavor.
How do I prevent the pork from overcrowding the pan?
Stir-fry the pork in batches over high heat for about 2 minutes per batch until browned.
What aromatics are added after the pork is cooked?
Sliced onion, the remaining garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and the remaining teaspoon of ginger are added to the pan.
How much chicken stock is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of chicken stock: 1 cup for the sauce and 1/2 cup for steaming the vegetables.
How long do the broccoli and carrots need to cook?
They should simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, providing a mild hint of spice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories, 7.5g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein.
What should I serve with the stir-fry?
It is recommended to serve the stir-fry hot over fluffy white rice or brown rice.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of plain rice vinegar.
Do I need to dry the pork after marinating?
Yes, you should remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel before stir-frying to ensure proper browning.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the recipe?
One tablespoon of sugar is used in the marinade to balance the savory flavors of the soy sauce and vinegar.
Can I use a regular frying pan instead of a wok?
Yes, a large deep sauté pan can be used if you do not have a wok.
How much soy sauce is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of soy sauce are used: 2 for the marinade and 2 for the final sauce.
How long is the final cooking step once everything is combined?
Once the pork and sauce are returned to the pan, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Should the onion be chopped or sliced?
The onion should be sliced into strips.
Is the broccoli cooked separately?
No, the broccoli is simmered in the same pan with the carrots and a portion of the chicken stock.
Can I substitute the pork?
While the recipe specifies pork tenderloin, the techniques could apply to other proteins like chicken or beef strips.
How do I prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be finely chopped or minced, using 2 teaspoons total.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing the pork by optionally soaking it in a water and vinegar mixture.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the stir-frying and vegetable steaming take less than 15 minutes once the ingredients are prepped and marinated.