Pork Loin and Celery Stir Fry with Hoisin Sauce

How I came to fall in love with pork loin and celery stir fry

For over a decade, I taught preschool all around the world.  This means that I have seen kids’ lunches from Seoul to Seattle.  Not only that but I’ve experienced the universal struggle of getting children to sit at a table and eat food.   Whether each meal is delightful or dreadful really depends on what’s on the menu and the company you share it with.

Overall, though, I had more good lunches than bad ones.  I also have to admit, having good food helped make those good days a success not only with kids but also with me.  After all, it’s difficult to get a child to eat a meal that you wouldn’t eat (and they don’t have the option of sneaking out to the noodle shop down the road for a tasty snack during nap time).

However, no matter where I found myself there was always one dish which, whenever it was served, I couldn’t resist extra helpings.  In China, that dish was pork and celery stir fry.  I just loved it.  What is not to love about crisp celery paired with fatty pork in a sauce just salty enough to make your mouth water and served with rice?  Nothing!  It’s delicious!

Now I make a more adult version of it at home with pork loin, a lot more ginger, garlic with a coating of Hoisin and soy sauce.  It’s still a favorite with the kids but a bigger hit with the adults and is great to make if you are looking for a lighter, healthier meal that is also quick and easy.  Feel free to do as I do, and eat this stir-fry in a big bowl with steamed rice and a big bottle of Tsingtao beer in front of the TV….because you’re an adult now so it’s OK.

Pork Loin and Celery Stir Fry with Hoisin Sauce

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• Author: Spicepaw
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 3-4 1x

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Description

Pork loin and crunchy celery stir fry tossed in a salty soy and hoisin sauce. A healthy and delicious stir-fry favored by both kids & adults. #easymeals #quickrecipes #pork #stirfry #chinesefoodrecipes #kidfood #healthyrecipes #family dinners

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

400 g (14 oz) pork loin

6–8 medium to large-sized celery ribs with leaves (300–400 g/10.5–14 oz)

2 tbsp sliced ginger

2 tbsp sliced garlic

2 tbsp Hoisin sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1/2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp water

2 tbsp cooking oil

salt

pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch and water into a small bowl.  Mix well and set aside.
2. Slice pork loin either into long strips or short chunks no bigger than 1 in / 2 cm.   Put in a bowl and set aside.
3. Clean celery and separate the ribs from the leaves.  Chop into either long strips or short pieces no bigger than 1 in / 2cm. (Same size as pork)  Place in a bowl and set aside.
4. In a large wok, heat 2 tbsp oil on high heat.  Add sliced ginger and garlic. Let cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Add pork and cook until no longer pink.  (About 2-3 minutes)
6. Add celery, season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes on high heat.  Celery should be slightly cooked but still crisp.
7. Add sauce mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated then turn off the heat.
8. Transfer to a plate and serve with steamed rice.

Notes

1. Top with a drizzle of Chinese Chile Oil for those more inclined to spice.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Category: Pork
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: Pork stir-fry, celery, easy, pork loin, hoisin sauce, healthy, kid friendly

This post was updated on April 26th, 2019.

For simple and delicious stir-fry to cook up:

Pork Shoulder and King Oyster Mushrooms Stir-Fry

Tofu and Mushroom Stir-Fry in Soybean Sauce

Chinese Szechuan Style ‘Beef Liver and Onions’

Authentic Kung Pao Chicken (Foreigner Style)