fried pork with cucumber

How to Make Stir-Fried Cucumber with Pork: A Comprehensive Guide

Stir-fried cucumber with pork is a quick, delicious, and nutritious dish popular in Asian cuisine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering it.

Ingredients: 300g pork tenderloin, sliced thinly; 2 cucumbers, julienned; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp cooking oil; salt and pepper to taste. Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Instructions:

1. Marinate the pork: In a bowl, mix pork slices with 1 tsp soy sauce, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to tenderize.

2. Prep the cucumbers: Toss julienned cucumbers with a pinch of salt and set aside for 10 minutes to remove excess water, then pat dry.

3. Cook the pork: Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry marinated pork until no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. Stir-fry aromatics: In the same wok, add garlic and chili flakes (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. Combine ingredients: Add cucumbers to the wok, stir-fry for 1 minute. Return pork to the wok, then add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss everything together for another 1-2 minutes until well-coated.

6. Serve: Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice.

Tips: For extra flavor, marinate the pork with a bit of cornstarch to keep it tender. Adjust sauces according to your taste. This dish balances crunchiness, umami, and a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect weeknight meal!