Description
Japanese meat stir-fries usually default to cabbage or bean sprouts. In Chinese homes and diners, the absolute king of meat stir-fries uses 'Suan Tai' (Garlic Stems). The sweet, violently crunchy garlic stems tossed with velveted pork in a savory soy sauce is a national treasure.
Restaurants serving Suan Tai Chao Rou (Pork and Garlic Stem Stir-fry)
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On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Suan Tai(Garlic stems)
- Lean pork
- Scallion
- Ginger
- Soy sauce
- Salt
- (Dried chili optional)
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe & Differences]
- (Veg Prep) Cut fresh 'Suan Tai' (garlic stems) into 4-5cm lengths. *To draw out sweetness and crunch, flash-blanch in boiling water (or oil) for just a dozen seconds.
- (Meat Prep) Julienne lean pork to match the thickness of the stems. Marinate with soy, wine, salt, starch, and oil to velvet the meat.
- Heat oil in a wok, flash-fry the pork, separating it quickly. Remove the instant it turns white.
- Leave a little oil, fry julienned scallion and ginger (and dried chilies if desired).
- Dump in the blanched garlic stems, blasting on high heat.
- Return pork. Season with soy, salt, a pinch of sugar, and chicken bouillon.
- Finally, splash a tiny bit of water (or broth) down the wok side to meld the flavors, and plate IMMEDIATELY before the stems lose their crunch.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Sweetness and aroma of garlic stems、Pork umami
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Can be made with garlic stems from JP supermarkets)
Pairing
White Rice (Endless pairing) / Beer
Trivia
[Trivia] Boasts an insanely high appearance rate in Chinese bento boxes (He Fan), rivaling Tomato Egg Stir-fry. Japanese view garlic stems as just a 'minor BBQ garnish', but in China, it is a formidable leading vegetable consumed massively every day.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] There is very little liquid; the sauce clings tightly to the ingredients. Enjoy the contrast between the 'slippery/tender' velveted pork and the 'squeaky, intense crunch' of the garlic stems while shoveling down rice.
Allergen
Pork, Soybeans, Wheat