Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

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!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 ½ lbs lean pork , thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves , chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, more is desired)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 ¾ 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

[Chef #313633]

I used a pack of assorted pork chops that were on sale.I also doubled recipe glad I did as it was well liked and eaten.Thanks for posting

[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!

[Chef #1350389]

Excellent - better then take out. Served with fried rice #216064.