Moo Shu Pork is a traditional Chinese dish that is beloved for its combination of tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauce wrapped in thin pancakes. Originating from northern China, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tender pork, crispy vegetables, and rich sauce come together in each bite, making it a staple in Chinese cuisine.
In this recipe, we will guide you through how to make Moo Shu Pork recipe at home, ensuring a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. You’ll find detailed calorie information for each ingredient, so you can enjoy this savory dish guilt-free. Whether you follow a keto, plant-based, or traditional diet, Moo Shu Pork is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Moo Shu Pork
To make this tasty Moo Shu Pork dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Pork Filling:
- Pork tenderloin (1 lb): 640 calories
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): 240 calories
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): 12 calories
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): 5 calories
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): 30 calories
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): 30 calories
- Shaoxing wine (2 tablespoons): 20 calories
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): 30 calories
- Black pepper to taste: negligible calories
the Vegetables:
- Shiitake mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): 35 calories
- Cabbage (1 cup, shredded): 9 calories
- Carrot (1 medium, julienned): 25 calories
- Scallions (3, chopped): 10 calories
- Chinese five-spice powder (1 teaspoon): negligible calories
the Pancakes:
- Chinese pancakes (10 pieces, store-bought or homemade): 300 calories (varies based on size)
the Sauce:
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): 20 calories
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): 5 calories
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): 40 calories
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): 40 calories
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): 16 calories
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, for thickening): 10 calories
Total Calories :
- The entire recipe yields about 4 servings, with an approximate total of 1,657 calories.
- Calories per serving: 414-420 calories (varies depending on the amount of sauce and pancakes used)
Instructions for Preparing Moo Shu Pork
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
To start, thinly slice the pork tenderloin against the grain. This will help ensure the pork is tender and easy to chew. Once sliced, place the pork into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and black pepper. Toss the pork to coat evenly and set it aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Cooking the Pork
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and slightly browned. Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet or wok, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Add the chopped scallions and Chinese five-spice powder and stir to combine. Once the vegetables are cooked, return the cooked pork to the pan and toss everything together.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour this sauce over the pork and vegetable mixture, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Preparing the Pancakes
If you’re using store-bought Chinese pancakes, warm them up according to the package instructions, typically by steaming them for about 1-2 minutes. If you prefer homemade pancakes, you can prepare them by mixing flour, water, and salt into a dough, rolling it out into thin rounds, and cooking them in a hot, lightly oiled skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Step 6: Assembling the pork
To assemble, place a pancake on a plate and spoon a portion of the Moo Shu Pork mixture onto the center. Carefully fold the sides of the pancake over the filling, then roll it up like a wrap. Repeat this process for the remaining pancakes and filling.
Step 7: Serving
Serve your Moo Shu Pork hot, with extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce on the side for dipping, if desired. Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
Nutrition Breakdown for Moo Shu Pork
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each ingredient, calculated for the entire recipe:
- Pork tenderloin (1 lb): 640 calories
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): 240 calories
- Garlic (3 cloves): 12 calories
- Ginger (1 tablespoon): 5 calories
- Soy sauce (5 tablespoons total): 50 calories
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): 30 calories
- Shaoxing wine (2 tablespoons): 20 calories
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): 40 calories
- Shiitake mushrooms (1 cup): 35 calories
- Cabbage (1 cup): 9 calories
- Carrot (1 medium): 25 calories
- Scallions (3): 10 calories
- Chinese five-spice powder (1 teaspoon): negligible calories
- Chinese pancakes (10 pieces): 300 calories
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): 40 calories
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): 40 calories
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): 16 calories
- Total Calories for the Whole Dish: 1,657 calories
- Calories per Serving (4 servings total): Approximately 414-420 calories
Serving Suggestions for Moo Shu Pork
Moo Shu Pork is often served as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can complement the dish’s flavor.
- Steamed Rice or Noodles: If you prefer more carbohydrates, steamed white rice or lo mein noodles make great additions to your meal.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: A simple salad with cucumber, cilantro, and sesame dressing adds a refreshing crunch to balance the savory Moo Shu Pork.
FAQs About Moo Shu Pork
- Can I make Moo Shu Pork ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pork and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the filling and warm the pancakes.
- Can I substitute the pork with chicken or tofu? Absolutely! Moo Shu Pork can easily be made with chicken or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Are the pancakes essential? While the pancakes add authenticity and texture to the dish, you can also serve Moo Shu Pork over rice or in lettuce wraps for a different presentation.
- Is Moo Shu Pork gluten-free? Traditional Moo Shu Pork contains soy sauce, which may have gluten. You can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Conclusion
Moo Shu Pork is a delightful, savory dish that brings the bold and rich flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home. With its tender pork, crisp vegetables, and delicious sauce wrapped in soft pancakes, it’s an ideal dish for family dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also provides detailed nutritional information, helping you make informed choices without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re enjoying Moo Shu Pork as a traditional dish or experimenting with substitutions, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today, and enjoy a flavorful journey to China right from your kitchen!