Pork Chow Mein
Pork Chow Mein — A vintage weeknight-style dinner with diced pork, onion, celery, and bean sprouts in a quick thickened sauce.
Serve it hot over crispy chow mein noodles for that classic crunchy topping.
Pork Chow Mein
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or oleo (margarine)
- 1 1/2 cups (or 3/4 lb) diced lean pork
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 can bean sprouts, drained
Thickening:
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons La Choy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 can crispy Chinese noodles (chow mein noodles)
Instructions
- Melt butter (or oleo) in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced pork and sear quickly, stirring.
- Add onion and cook about 5 minutes.
- Add celery, salt, pepper, and hot water. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
- Stir in drained bean sprouts.
- Mix thickening: stir cornstarch into cold water until smooth, then add La Choy sauce and sugar.
- Pour thickening into skillet, bring to a boil, and cook about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot over crispy Chinese noodles.
Serves 4.
FAQ
What are “Chinese noodles” in this recipe?
This recipe refers to crispy chow mein noodles, usually sold in a can.
Can I use fresh bean sprouts?
Yes. Drain well and add near the end so they stay crisp.
How do I keep the sauce from getting lumpy?
Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth before adding it to the hot skillet.
Can I swap chicken for pork?
Yes. Diced chicken works well with the same method and timing.