Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein Recipe

Name: Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs lean pork, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional); 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons sugar; 5 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, more is desired); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons shortening; 1 3/4 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

Servings: persons

1 1/2 lbs lean pork, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons sugar
5 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, more is desired)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons shortening
1 3/4 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

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.

673

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 lbs lean pork, thinly sliced, 3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional), 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons sugar, and more.

Yes, Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions