Asian > Chinese

Lion's Head Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 head of Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground pork and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are wilted.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the stir-fry and stir well to coat.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with rice or noodles.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground chicken or beef.
- Napa cabbage can be substituted with bok choy or regular cabbage.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with button mushrooms or any other mushroom variety.
- Bamboo shoots can be substituted with water chestnuts or baby corn.

Variations:
- Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or onions for extra color and flavor.
- Use tofu instead of ground pork for a vegetarian version.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir-fry the ingredients to prevent scratching the wok or skillet.
- Don't overcrowd the wok or skillet to ensure even cooking.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stir-fry in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stir-fry in a large bowl or platter for family-style dining.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for extra freshness.

Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions or cilantro

Pairings:
- Steamed rice or noodles

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli or snow peas

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stir-fry is too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- If the stir-fry is too salty, add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground pork thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Lion's Head Stir-Fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, originating from the Jiangsu province in eastern China. The name "Lion's Head" refers to the large meatballs that resemble a lion's head.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, umami, slightly sweet

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stir-fry family-style in a large bowl or platter for sharing.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Umami, Spicy, Aromatic