Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"No need to order in chow mein when you can make it yourself, this is just as good if not even better than any Chinese restaurant or take-out -- if you prefer more flavor then add in more soy sauce --- if desired after the pork is finished browning you may add in fresh minced garlic and stir for 2 minutes, this is only optional --- you will love this!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs lean pork, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, more is desired)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 3⁄4 cups water, divided
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon molasses (do NOT omit)
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts
• 1 lb bean sprouts (or more)
• 1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
• salt and pepper
• 1 bunch green onion (optional)
• blanched almond, lightly toasted

directions

1. Cut meat into thin strips.
2. Combine 2 tbsp cornstarch with sugar, blend in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp oil; mix to blend.
3. Pour over pork strips; toss well to coat, marinade in mixture for 20 minutes.
4. In a wok or large saute pan heat 2 tablespoons shortening; brown the meat lightly on all sides in hot shortening (after browning the pork you may add in chopped garlic and saute for 2 minutes if desired).
5. Add remaining 4 tbsp soy sauce and 1-1/2 cups water; simmer, covered on low heat for 45 minutes.
6. Add in the celery and onions; simmer for 15 minutes more.
7. In a small bowl, blend in remaining cornstarch with 1/4 cup water; stir into meat mixture.
8. Add molasses, water chestnuts, bean sprouts and mushrooms; heat thoroughly.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted almonds.

Reviews

[Doug in Crisfield]

This is the recipe that introduced me to RecipeZaar. It is my now my go-to recipe for chow mein. I've made this at least four times and it is always excellent. The recipe is versatile - you can vary the veggies based on what you have on hand and what you like. Julienned carrots, cabbage, green peppers, you name it. The secret seems to be the fairly long braise of the browned pork, covered, in the water/soy sauce mixture. I usually use boneless pork loin when I make this and you'd think this would be mercilessly overcooking it, but it comes out great every time, and would probably also work with tougher pork like sirloin or possibly even butt if you cut it small enough. The other secret, of course, is the molasses. I'd rate this as one of the best two or three recipes I've found on the internet, and the net's been my cookbook for over a decade now.

 

[ChansonCooks]

This was delicious. Made exactly according to recipe. Next time I will probably try with low-sodium soy sauce, as I found it a little too salty. Also will double the celery, as that's how we like it in Minnesota. This is what's known as "Nankin-style" chow mein, after a popular Chinese restaurant in Minneapolis for years. Thanks for an awesome recipe!

 

[Amy in Hawaii]

It is tasty but it would be more chow mein if it actually had lo mein or sam see mein noodles. This is more like chop suey. You can also add cabbage, broccoli, carrots (thinly sliced),snow peas, or beans and top with green onions and chopped egg omelet. I also rather have shiitake mushrooms instead of canned button mushrooms. It has a meatier flavor. I would add a tablespoon or two of mirin or sherry and some oyster sauce. I do like things on the sweet side. I would not have thought to add molasses.<br/><br/>The molasses in this recipe and the soy sauce = thick soy sauce

 

[AustinCFos]

Yummy! I'm not even a chow mein fan but this was interesting enough to try and we really liked it. Long cooking the pork was key, plus adding some extra soy, some chili/garlic sauce, and the molasses was such a silver bullet....who would have thought of that? I added bok choy for extra crunch and nutrition and used a lot less pork.

 

[tiger7lady]

This was very good. Will definitely make it again but I was a little disappointed because it didn't have the flavor punch that I have become accustomed to from a Kittencal recipe. :) Maybe more Molasses? Not sure but it seemed to be missing some flavor. I have to say that I was concerned that the pork was cooking too long but it turned out very tender.