I’d intended to make pork with eggplant but . . . I used all the eggplant in the eggplant with garlic sauce yesterday! So instead here’s pork and vegetables. As in many of my recipes, feel free to substitute the vegetables for whatever ones your family prefers, eggplant would be great. Makes 4 generous servings.
Ingredients for sauce:
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced (or grated) fresh ginger (adjust to your family’s taste)
1 small can diced chilis (I used mild but whatever heat level your family enjoys is fine)
1/2 cup soy sauce substitute (see recipe under sauces and condiments)
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon corn or tapioca starch (or arrowroot) dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
Ingredients for the pork and vegetables:
2 tablespoons olive oil
16 ounces pork, diced
2 tablespoons corn or tapioca starch
2-3 baby bok choy, cleaned and chopped
1 medium onion sliced thinly
1/2 grated carrots (or 2 large carrots cut on the bias)
1 medium yellow pepper, seeded and cubed
1 small can sliced water chestnuts
First, put the pork cubes into a gallon food storage bag with the 2 tablespoons of corn or tapioca starch. Shake to coat the cubes, making sure all the pork gets some starch, and set aside for 15-20 minutes (I’ve left it overnight and it worked fine).
In a large skillet, heat over medium high heat:
2 tablespoons olive oil
When hot, add the pork cubes and fry, turning frequently to brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove cubes from the pan and set aside covered (they will continue cooking). Add the vegetables to the pan and cook over medium heat until they start to soften but still have some crunch, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add to the pork.
In a small saucepan or skillet, heat the 1/2 tablespoon oil then add the garlic, ginger, chilis (drained) over medium heat. After about 1-2 minutes, add the soy sauce substitute, fish sauce and sesame oil. Cook until it comes to a boil, about 1 minute and then add the slurry of corn/tapioca starch and water. Stir to combine and continue stirring until thickened, should be almost immediately. Remove from heat and pour over the vegetables and pork. Stir to combine and plate, garnishing with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with brown rice (or white rice if preferred).
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