Moo Shu Pork: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe

Ever found yourself craving the delightful flavors of Moo Shu Pork but dreaded the long list of ingredients and steps involved? Fear not, as this easy 5-ingredient recipe will change the way you think about this Chinese-American classic. Let's dive into how you can whip up this dish in no time with ingredients you might already have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pork Tenderloin - Lean and perfect for quick cooking.
• Coleslaw Mix - A convenient shortcut for shredded vegetables.
• Hoisin Sauce - The soul of Moo Shu, providing rich, sweet, and savory flavors.
• Soy Sauce - For that umami kick.
• Scallions - For freshness and a slight crunch.

Preparing the Pork

Begin by thinly slicing about 1 pound of pork tenderloin. This cut is ideal for stir-fries due to its tenderness and quick cooking time. To ensure even cooking, make the slices as uniform as possible. If you prefer more tender results, consider velveting the pork:

• Marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of oil for 15 minutes before cooking.

Assembling Your Ingredients

While the pork marinates, you can prepare the remaining ingredients:

• Prepare your coleslaw mix, which usually contains cabbage and carrots, perfect for Moo Shu.
• Have your hoisin and soy sauce at the ready. Remember, the sauce is key to the dish’s authenticity.
• Thinly slice your scallions for garnishing and adding a burst of color.

Cooking Steps

1. Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the pork slices, searing until they are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and then toss in the coleslaw mix. Stir-fry until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Return the pork to the skillet, mix in hoisin sauce, and a touch of soy sauce to taste.
6. Cook for an additional minute, ensuring everything is well coated and heated through.
7. Turn off the heat and stir in most of the scallions, saving some for garnish.

✨ Note: The coleslaw mix already contains the necessary vegetables, but feel free to add mushrooms or bamboo shoots for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Moo Shu Pork is traditionally served with pancakes or tortillas for wrapping:

• If using Chinese pancakes, steam or microwave them according to the package instructions.
• For a fusion twist, use soft flour tortillas.
• Sprinkle with the remaining scallions before serving.

Wrapping Up

This simplified version of Moo Shu Pork keeps the essence of the dish while making it accessible to everyone, even those with limited time or ingredients. The key is the combination of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and the vibrant flavor from the hoisin sauce. With this 5-ingredient recipe, you can savor the authentic taste of Moo Shu Pork without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

+

Yes, although tenderloin is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cooking, you can use pork loin or even shoulder. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure tenderness.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

+

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, vinegar, and garlic can mimic its flavor profile, though it won’t be exactly the same.

Can this dish be made in advance?

+

Yes, Moo Shu Pork can be prepared in advance. Store the filling separately from the tortillas or pancakes. Reheat the filling and assemble before serving.