Spicy Cashew Pork Stir-Fry
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Spicy Cashew Pork Stir-Fry, a delightful dish inspired by Thai and Chinese culinary traditions. Featuring tender cuts of lean pork, crunchy roasted cashews, and an array of fresh vegetables, this stir-fry is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. The aromatic blend of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce enhances the savory marinade, while red pepper flakes add a hint of spice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish pairs wonderfully with freshly cooked oriental noodles that soak up all the flavors. Enjoy a fusion of taste, texture, and color that will leave your palate satisfied and craving more.
4
Servings
137.5
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean pork tenderloin
1 lb (trimmed of fat and cut into 3/4 inch slices)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (none)
cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
unsalted cashew nuts
1 cup (none)
peanut oil
4 tablespoons (none)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
leek
1 lb (trimmed and shredded)
fresh gingerroot
1 inch piece (peeled and cut into matchsticks)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (deseeded and sliced)
chicken or vegetable broth
15 ounces (in a can)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
oriental noodles
1 lb (freshly cooked or pre-cooked)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, trim the fat from the pork tenderloin and cut it into 3/4 inch slices.
2
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free.
3
Pour the soy mixture over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and dry-fry them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly toasted. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
5
In a wok or large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over high heat. Once hot, add the shredded leeks, ginger matchsticks, chopped garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables and set them aside to keep warm.
6
Drain the marinated pork, reserving the marinade. In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut oil and heat over high. Add the pork and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until browned.
7
Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the reserved marinade and the broth. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
8
Stir in the toasted cashews and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately over the cooked oriental noodles.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cashew Pork Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant dish inspired by Thai and Chinese traditions featuring tender pork, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 137.5 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This stir-fry provides 9.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the pork tenderloin be prepared?
The pork should be trimmed of fat and cut into 3/4 inch slices.
What ingredients are used for the marinade?
The marinade consists of 4 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
How long should I marinate the pork?
The pork should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
How do I toast the cashew nuts?
Dry-fry the unsalted cashews in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
What type of oil is recommended for this stir-fry?
Peanut oil is recommended for its high smoke point and flavor.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes leeks, fresh gingerroot, garlic, and red bell pepper.
How should the leeks be prepared?
The leeks should be trimmed and shredded.
How do I prepare the fresh ginger?
Peel the gingerroot and cut it into thin matchsticks.
What kind of broth can I use?
You can use either chicken or vegetable broth.
How long do I stir-fry the vegetables?
Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they are softened.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork takes about 5 minutes to stir-fry or until it is browned.
What should I do with the reserved marinade?
Return the reserved marinade to the wok with the vegetables and broth to thicken the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.
When do I add the cashews and cilantro?
Stir in the toasted cashews and chopped cilantro just before serving.
What is the recommended serving base for this dish?
This dish is best served over 1 lb of freshly cooked or pre-cooked oriental noodles.
How much spice is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or pre-cooked oriental noodles.
What kitchen equipment is needed?
You will need a shallow dish for marinating, a nonstick skillet for toasting nuts, and a wok or large skillet for stir-frying.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and healthy dinner option.
What gives the dish its aromatic flavor?
The blend of fresh ginger matchsticks, chopped garlic, and soy sauce creates the aromatic base.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish offers a fusion of tender pork, soft vegetables, and crunchy roasted cashews.
What type of cashews should I buy?
Use 1 cup of unsalted cashew nuts.
Can I substitute the red bell pepper?
While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, you can use other colors, though red adds a specific sweetness and color.