Crispy Pork Intestine & Pickled Greens Stir-Fry

Stir-fried pork small intestines with pickled mustard greens is a rustic yet incredibly appealing dish, characterized by the distinctive sweet and sour flavor of pickled greens combined with the crispy, slightly chewy texture of the intestines. Not only is it a great accompaniment to rice, but it’s also quite nutritious when prepared correctly. So, do you know how to make stir-fried pork intestines with pickled greens perfectly? Let’s explore the detailed recipe below!

Choosing Fresh Pork Intestines – The First Secret to a Perfect Dish

Choosing fresh pork intestines ensures the best flavor for your dish.

To make delicious stir-fried pork intestines with pickled greens, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose quality pork small intestines:

• Prioritize the upper part of the intestine, which is smaller in diameter, plump, and has a natural white-pink color.
• Gently squeeze a section of the intestine and observe the liquid inside. If it’s a milky white substance without an unpleasant fishy smell, it’s fresh.
• Avoid intestines that have turned greenish or have a dark yellow liquid, as they tend to be tough and less tasty after cooking.
• Absolutely do not buy intestines that are dark black, bruised, or slimy, as these are signs of spoilage.

Cleaning Pork Intestines Thoroughly, Preserving Flavor

Properly cleaning pork intestines helps remove impurities and odors while maintaining the dish’s delightful crispiness. Here are two common methods:

Method 1: Cleaning with Lemon and Salt

• Rinse the intestines thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Let water flow through the inside to wash away residue.
• Cut the intestines into smaller sections, about 10cm (finger length).
• Place the intestines in a clean bowl, squeeze 1-2 fresh lemons over them, add some salt, and rub vigorously for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse the intestines again thoroughly under running water.

Method 2: Cleaning with Flour

• Cut the intestines into small sections as described above.
• Gently scrape or pull the intestines to remove some excess fat and internal residue.
• Rinse the intestines again with clean water and let them drain.
• Mix flour and salt evenly, then rub the intestines with this mixture for about 5 minutes.
• Finally, rub the intestines with lemon or cooking wine to neutralize any remaining odor and rinse again with clean water.

Boiling Pork Intestines – The Key Step for Crispiness

Boiling pork small intestines in a pot with ginger slices

Boiling the intestines before stir-frying helps eliminate impurities, reduce odor, and maintain the tenderness of the final dish. Follow these steps:

• Prepare a few slices of ginger and 5 tablespoons of vinegar.
• Bring water to a boil with the ginger, then add the cleaned intestines and cook over high heat for about 5 minutes.
• While waiting for the intestines to cook, prepare a bowl of ice-cold water mixed with the juice of 1 lemon.
• When the intestines change color and firm up, remove them from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into the ice bath for 5 minutes.
• Once cooled and firm, cut the intestines into bite-sized pieces.

Delicious Stir-Fried Pork Intestine with Pickled Greens Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• 500g pork small intestines
• 500g pickled mustard greens (rinsed well, squeezed dry, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tomatoes (rinsed, cut into wedges)
• Scallions (rinsed, cut into sections)
• Ginger (peeled, julienned)
• Garlic (peeled, minced)
• Seasonings: fish sauce, vinegar, cooking oil, granulated seasoning (e.g., Knorr), ground pepper.

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Stir-fry the Pork Intestines

• Heat a wok or large pan, sauté the minced garlic and half of the julienned ginger with a little cooking oil until fragrant.
• Add the prepared pork intestines and stir-fry with 2 teaspoons of fish sauce. Stir-fry quickly over high heat so the intestines absorb the seasoning without becoming tough.
• Turn off the heat and transfer the intestines to a separate plate.

Stir-frying pork intestines with pickled mustard greens and tomatoes in a wok

Step 2: Stir-fry the Pickled Mustard Greens

• Sauté the remaining garlic in the same wok; add more oil if needed.
• Stir-fry the tomatoes first to create a nice color, then add the pickled mustard greens and stir-fry until the greens release some liquid and become tender-crisp.
• Season to taste with vinegar, granulated seasoning, and fish sauce.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

• Return the cooked pork intestines to the wok, tossing them well with the pickled greens mixture.
• Stir-fry quickly for another minute, add the scallions, then turn off the heat.

There you have it – a delicious and flavorful dish of stir-fried pork intestines with pickled mustard greens! The tangy sweetness of the pickled greens combined with the satisfying crispiness of the intestines is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Is Eating Stir-Fried Pork Intestines with Pickled Greens Healthy?

This dish is not only tasty but also offers nutritional benefits. Pork small intestines are rich in B vitamins and minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc, which are good for health. Naturally fermented pickled mustard greens are rich in probiotics, supporting the digestive system and providing fiber and vitamins.

However, consuming too much pork intestine can increase blood cholesterol levels due to its high saturated fat content. Therefore, individuals with a history of heart disease, gout, or acid reflux should limit their intake of this dish.

Conclusion

Making stir-fried pork intestines with pickled mustard greens isn’t complicated if you follow the cleaning and cooking steps correctly. This dish is not only delicious but also offers significant nutritional value when eaten in moderation. Try this recipe to treat your family to a flavorful and satisfying meal!

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