Moo shu pork

Moo Shu Pork

Moo Shu Pork is a traditional dish from Northern China, particularly from the Shandong province. It is a stir-fried dish that typically includes sliced pork, scrambled eggs, and a variety of vegetables, all served with a side of thin, steamed pancakes and hoisin sauce.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in Moo Shu Pork are:

• Pork: This is the primary ingredient. The pork is usually thinly sliced and marinated before being stir-fried.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a key component of this dish. They are usually cooked separately and then added to the stir-fry at the end.
• Vegetables: Common vegetables used in Moo Shu Pork include mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and cabbage. However, the choice of vegetables can vary based on personal preference and regional variations.
• Pancakes: Moo Shu Pork is traditionally served with thin, steamed pancakes. These are used to wrap the stir-fried ingredients, similar to a burrito.
• Hoisin Sauce: This is a sweet and tangy sauce made from soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. It is typically served on the side for dipping or spreading on the pancakes.

Preparation

The preparation of Moo Shu Pork involves several steps:

1. The pork is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This helps to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. 2. The eggs are then scrambled and set aside. 3. The vegetables are stir-fried in a wok or large frying pan. Once they are cooked, they are also set aside. 4. The marinated pork is then stir-fried until it is fully cooked. 5. The eggs and vegetables are added back into the wok with the pork, and everything is stir-fried together until it is well combined. 6. The dish is served with the pancakes and hoisin sauce on the side.

Variations

While pork is the traditional meat used in this dish, there are many variations of Moo Shu that use different types of meat, such as Moo Shu Chicken or Moo Shu Beef. There are also vegetarian versions, known as Moo Shu Vegetables, which omit the meat entirely.

Cultural Significance

Moo Shu Pork is a popular dish in both China and overseas. It is often served in Chinese restaurants in the United States, where it is typically accompanied by a small dish of hoisin sauce and a stack of warm pancakes. In China, it is a common home-cooked dish and is also popular in street food stalls.

See Also

• Chinese Cuisine
• Stir Frying
• Shandong Cuisine

References

• Fuchsia Dunlop. Land of Plenty: A Treasury of Authentic Sichuan Cooking. W. W. Norton & Company, 2003.
• Eileen Yin-Fei Lo. Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking. Chronicle Books, 2009.