Savory Pork and Wood Ear Stir Fry
If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight meal that punches way above its weight in flavor and texture, you’ve just found your new favorite. This stir-fry is a delightful introduction to the magic of simple, well-executed home cooking. It’s a dish I turn to again and again because it comes together in under an hour, requires no special culinary degrees, and delivers a taste that is both comforting and exciting. The process is a straightforward stir-fry, but the result is anything but ordinary. You get incredibly tender, savory slices of pork nestled against the uniquely firm, yet yielding, bite of wood ear mushrooms, all coated in a light, glossy sauce. It’s an easy-to-master recipe that will make you feel like a stir-fry pro in your own kitchen. Gather Your Ingredients Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic dish. Don’t be intimidated by any unfamiliar names; everything is easy to find at an Asian market or online, and I’ve included simple swaps you can find at any major supermarket. For the Main Event: Lean Pork: About 1/2 pound (225g), such as pork loin or tenderloin. Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms: A large handful, about 1/2 cup (15g). These are also known as black fungus. You can find them in the dried goods or international aisle. Substitution: If you can’t find them, about 1.5 cups of fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced, will work, though they will have a softer texture. Green Onions: 2-3 stalks, also known as scallions. Peanut Oil: About 3 tablespoons, for stir-frying. Substitution: Any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil, is a perfect substitute. For the Marinade & Sauce: Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. This is the secret to getting that velvety texture on the pork. Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons, divided….
