Ingredients:

For the Pork:

• Pork tenderloin, sliced into thin strips – 500 grams
• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Pepper – 1/4 tsp
• Cornstarch – 3 tbsp
• Cooking oil – 2 tbsp

For the Vegetables:

• Onion, sliced – 1 medium
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
• Ginger, minced – 1 tbsp
• Spring onions, chopped – A few pieces
• Red bell pepper, sliced – 1 small

For the Mongolian Sauce:

• Soy sauce – 1 tbsp
• Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp
• Chili-garlic sauce – 1 tbsp
• Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
• Sesame oil – 1/2 tbsp
• Water – 1 cup
• Cornstarch – 2 tsp (mixed with water for slurry)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Marinate the Pork: Place the sliced pork tenderloin in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the pork until it’s evenly coated with the soy sauce and pepper.
2. Coat the Pork in Cornstarch: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the marinated pork. Toss the pork slices until each piece is lightly coated in cornstarch. This will help the pork develop a crispy exterior when fried.
3. Fry the Pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the pork strips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be cooked but still crisp, retaining their vibrant colors.

Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili-garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil. Set this sauce mixture aside.
2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.

Step 4: Assemble the Stir-Fry

1. Add the Pork Back to the Pan: Return the cooked pork strips to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together so the pork and vegetables are evenly mixed.
2. Pour in the Mongolian Sauce: Pour the prepared Mongolian sauce over the pork and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
3. Add Water and Thicken: Pour 1 cup of water into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Add Spring Onions: Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle chopped spring onions over the top and give the dish a final stir.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Transfer the Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry to a serving dish. Garnish with additional spring onions if desired.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The rich, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with plain rice, soaking up all the savory goodness.

Cooking Tips:

• Tenderizing the Pork: Thinly slicing the pork tenderloin against the grain helps keep it tender. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the pork slices before marinating, which further tenderizes the meat.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: The chili-garlic sauce adds a bit of heat to this dish, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less depending on your preference. You can also add fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
• Cornstarch Coating: Coating the pork in cornstarch before frying helps create a crispy texture. Make sure not to skip this step, as it enhances the overall dish.
• Avoid Overcooking: Stir-fry the vegetables until just tender to maintain their crisp texture. Overcooking can make the vegetables soggy and reduce their vibrant color.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the stir-fry by adding other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to suit your taste and what’s available in your kitchen.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 320-350 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg

This stir-fry is a good source of lean protein from the pork, healthy fats from the sesame oil, and vitamins from the vegetables. The addition of brown sugar and sauces adds some sweetness and savory flavors but also increases the sodium content, so be mindful of portion sizes if watching your sodium intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other meats for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute pork with other meats such as chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times as needed depending on the protein you choose.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and use a gluten-free cornstarch brand.

3. How do I keep the pork tender? To keep the pork tender, avoid overcooking it during the frying step. Also, make sure the pork is sliced thinly against the grain, as this helps prevent toughness.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can prepare the pork and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will make the cooking process quicker when you’re ready to serve.

5. What can I use as a substitute for oyster sauce? If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a similar flavor profile.

Conclusion:

This Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry is a flavorful, balanced dish that combines tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce with just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something comforting and delicious. The sauce, made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili-garlic sauce, brings all the elements together into a cohesive, mouthwatering meal. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile recipe for your repertoire. Enjoy this delightful stir-fry that’s sure to become a family favorite!