Golden & Flavorful Pork Belly and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry
Golden & Flavorful Pork Belly and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry
Perfect for Using Up Leftovers: Deliciously Savory Pork Belly and Bean Sprout Stir-Fry
Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? When you don’t have any side dishes handy, try taking out some pork belly from your freezer and stir-frying it with bean sprouts. The combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside pork belly with fresh bean sprouts is truly exceptional. This pork belly and bean sprout stir-fry is simple yet makes a fantastic meal or a perfect accompaniment to drinks. Let’s get cooking!
Today’s Stars: Hearty Ingredients- 3 strips fresh pork belly (approx. 300g)
- 150g crisp bean sprouts
- 1/2 sweet onion
- 3 spicy Korean green chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
- A little carrot (adds color and texture!)
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce (for an explosion of savory flavor!)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (for aromatic depth)
- A pinch of black pepper (removes pork odor and enhances flavor)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish and final touch!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the pork belly. Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. Place the pork belly in a preheated frying pan and cook it over medium heat for about 70% of the way, until the surface is golden brown. This initial cooking step allows excess fat to render, resulting in a more savory taste. Use paper towels to carefully wipe away the rendered oil from the pan. (Tip: Avoid overcooking at this stage to maintain a tender texture in the subsequent stir-frying.)
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the onion thinly, and finely chop the green chili peppers. Julienne the carrot for a beautiful presentation. Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly under running water and drain them well. (Tip: To prevent the bean sprouts from becoming mushy, rinse them quickly.)
Step 3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the sliced onion and julienned carrot, and stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent. Stir-frying over high heat quickly helps to keep the vegetables crisp. Once the vegetables are partially cooked, add the partially cooked pork belly back to the pan and stir-fry together. Finally, add the bean sprouts and stir-fry just until they are slightly wilted. (Tip: Be careful not to overcook the bean sprouts, as they can release a lot of water and become soft.)
Step 4
Now, it’s time for seasoning! Add 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce for a rich, umami flavor and mix well. Oyster sauce provides sufficient seasoning on its own, but you can add soy sauce or salt to taste if desired. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper to further enhance the pork’s aroma.
Step 5
Transfer the deliciously stir-fried pork belly and bean sprouts to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch. Your visually appealing and flavorful pork belly and bean sprout stir-fry is now complete! Serve it over warm rice for a hearty meal, or pair it with a cold beer for a delightful experience. Enjoy this wonderful dish that the whole family will love!
