Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound pork, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 medium bitter melons, cut into thin strips
Special Equipment Needed:
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork strips and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil and stir to combine.
5. Add the bitter melon strips and cook, stirring occasionally, until the melon is tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: Medium-High
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil: Canola oil or olive oil
- Pork: Chicken, beef, or tofu
- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos
- Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Honey: Agave nectar or maple syrup
- Sesame oil: Peanut oil or avocado oil
Variations:
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Use a different type of protein such as beef, chicken, or tofu.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and Tricks:
- Cut the pork and bitter melon into thin strips for even cooking.
- Make sure the pork is cooked through before adding the bitter melon.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Garnishes:
Sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Pairings:
Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Egg rolls
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pork is not cooked through before adding the bitter melon, the melon will not cook properly.
- If the stir fry is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the pan.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the pork is cooked through before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
Bitter melon is a popular vegetable in Asian cuisine and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
This stir fry has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a slight bitterness from the bitter melon.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables.
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Region: Chinese