This dish features tender strips of pork stir-fried with fresh zucchini in a light and flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Garnish: chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Pork:
- In a bowl, mix the sliced pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
- In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- Stir-Fry the Pork:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the marinated pork and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned.
- If using, add the sliced red chili and stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Add Zucchini:
- Add the zucchini to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is tender-crisp.
- Add Sauce and Thicken:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork and zucchini. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Transfer the stir-fried pork and zucchini to a serving plate.
- Garnish with chopped green onions. (optional)
- Serve immediately with rice.
Tips and Variations:
- Pork Alternatives: You can use chicken or beef instead of pork.
- Vegetable Options: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of chili to your spice preference, or omit it altogether for a non-spicy version.
- Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Marinating Time: Marinating the pork longer (up to 30 minutes) will make it more tender.