Five spice is a common Chinese spice mixture that usually consists of ground fennel seeds, star anise, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Some five spice mixtures vary by adding Szechuan peppers or orange peel as well. This mix can usually be found in most Asian grocery stores as well as in the ethnic section of some larger chain grocery stores.
2 lbs. lean pork (tenderloin, or pork chops)
½ tsp salt
1 medium carrot
1 small white onion
1 tbsp peanut oil
¾ tsp five spice powder
½ tsp toasted sesame oil
Sauce:
3 tbsp chicken broth
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- Remove any excess fat from the pork and then cut it into 1 inch pieces and sprinkle them lightly with the salt and let them sit at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.
- Peel the carrot and slice it into 1 inch thin rounds.
- Peel the onion and cut it into 1 inch slices as well.
- In a small cup mix the sauce ingredients together thoroughly.
- Next heat a wok on high and when it is hot add the peanut oil and let that get hot.
- When the peanut oil is hot add the pork and stir fry it for about 2 to 3 minutes, or just until it is cooked through. Then remove it and set it aside on a plate.
- Re heat the wok on high and add the sliced carrots and onions and let them cook for about 2 minutes, or until they are crisp – tender.
- Then return the pork to the wok and add the five spice powder and stir fry everything for another 30 seconds.
- Then add the sauce mixture and stir fry until everything is coated with the sauce. Then remove it from the heat and add the sesame oil and stir it in thoroughly. Then serve immediately; this is great served over white steamed rice and makes about 4 servings of five spice pork stir fry, enjoy.
