Recipe

Mei Gan Cai Stir-Fry

Savory and Spicy Mei Gan Cai Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Delight from Chinese Cuisine

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with this Mei Gan Cai Stir-Fry recipe. Mei Gan Cai, a traditional Chinese preserved vegetable, is stir-fried with aromatic spices and tender meat, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that will transport you to the streets of China.

Pickling› Mei gan cai

Asian cuisine› Chinese cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Paleo-friendly

Allergens

Pork

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

300g (10.5 oz) Mei Gan Cai 300g (10.5 oz) Mei Gan Cai
300g (10.5 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced 300g (10.5 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized ginger, julienned 1 thumb-sized ginger, julienned
2 red chili peppers, sliced 2 red chili peppers, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
Protein: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Rinse the Mei Gan Cai under cold water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out any excess water and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3.
Add the pork belly slices to the wok and stir-fry until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
4.
Add the Mei Gan Cai to the wok and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors are well combined.
5.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and five-spice powder. Pour the sauce over the Mei Gan Cai and pork belly, stirring well to coat.
6.
Continue stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes until the Mei Gan Cai is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Mei Gan Cai — Rinse the Mei Gan Cai thoroughly to remove excess salt before using it in the recipe. This will help balance the flavors and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add more chili peppers or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of white pepper and chili peppers.
Feel free to substitute pork belly with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different variation.
Serve the Mei Gan Cai Stir-Fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Garnish the Mei Gan Cai Stir-Fry with some fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve it as a main dish alongside steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mei Gan Cai Stir-Fry on a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Serve it family-style, encouraging guests to help themselves and enjoy the flavors and textures of this traditional Chinese dish.