The exciting flavors of Chinese cuisine are captured in this five-spice stir-fried pork. Five-spice powder is a mixture of five ground spices usually consisting of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. It gives a pungent, aromatic flavor to this quick dish. It can be found in the spice section of the supermarket. You only need a little for this recipe, but I like to keep it on hand to sprinkle on cooked vegetables, over rice or in salad dressings to create an Asian touch.
Chinese recipes need a few extra minutes to assemble the ingredients, but take only a few minutes to cook. This stir-fry dinner is ready in less than 10 minutes.
Fred Tasker's wine suggestion: Spicy pork would go nicely with a lush white viognier.
Helpful Hints:
_ Leftover rice can be used instead of the brown rice.
_ White vinegar diluted with a little water can be used instead of rice vinegar.
_ Boneless loin pork chops can be used instead of pork tenderloin.
_ Your wok or skillet should be very hot so the meat and vegetables will be crisp, not steamed.
Countdown:
_ Make rice.
_ Assemble ingredients.
_ Complete dish.
Shopping List:
Here are the ingredients you'll need for tonight's Dinner in Minutes.
To buy: 1 package microwaveable brown rice (to make 1 { cups cooked), 1 bottle rice vinegar; 1 bottle Chinese five-spice powder; 1 bottle low-sodium soy sauce, } pound pork tenderloin, 1 red bell pepper and 1 package slivered almonds.
Staples: Canola oil, garlic, onion, flour, fat-free, low-salt chicken broth, salt and black peppercorns.
