For the longest time, my husband was never a fan of zucchinis. The culprit? His childhood memories of boiled zucchinis that were mushy and tasteless. It wasn’t until I introduced him to this stir fry with yellow zucchinis and pork belly that his perception completely changed. The dish transformed a previously disliked ingredient into a favorite.
The savory pork belly paired with the perfectly sautéed zucchinis became a game-changer. If you, like my husband, have reservations about zucchinis, give this recipe a try. It might just change your mind.
Ingredients for Pork Belly and Zucchini Stir Fry
- 200g yellow zucchinis: If you can’t find yellow zucchinis, green ones are an equally delicious alternative. The yellow variant tends to be slightly sweeter and more tender, but green zucchinis will still give your stir fry a vibrant touch and a satisfying crunch.
- 180g pork belly
- 2 tbs vegetable oil
- 2 tbs light soy sauce & ½ tbs dark soy sauce: Using a combination of both light and dark soy sauce enriches the dish with a balanced flavor profile. While the light soy sauce introduces a salty dimension, the dark soy sauce imparts a deeper color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
- 13g oyster sauce: This sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines, known for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. Oyster sauce elevates the depth of taste in the stir fry, complementing both the pork and zucchinis wonderfully.
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine: A dash of this wine can truly transform your dish. Shaoxing wine, with its unique aroma and taste, adds an authentic Chinese touch, enhancing the richness and depth of flavors in the stir fry.
- 1 tsp starch
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 dried chilli pepper (optional for added heat)
- Salt, as per taste
How to Make Pork Belly and Zucchini Stir Fry
- Begin by slicing the 180g pork belly into thin slices. Place them in a container.
- To the sliced pork belly, add ½ tbs of dark soy sauce, 13g of oyster sauce, 1 tsp of sugar, ¼ tsp of Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine, and 1 tsp of starch. Massage the meat thoroughly with your hands and allow it to marinate for approximately 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, halve the zucchinis and slice them into thin half-moons.
- Heat up a frying pan with 1 tbs of vegetable oil. Once heated, add the marinated pork belly slices and stir fry them for 4-5 minutes or until they’re cooked through.
- Remove the pork belly slices from the pan and set them aside in a container.
- To the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. If you prefer a kick, introduce the optional dried chili pepper.
- Toss in the sliced zucchinis. Stir fry until they soften, then incorporate the minced garlic.
- Return the cooked pork belly slices to the pan. Add 2 tbs of light soy sauce and stir fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Finish by seasoning with salt to your liking. Give it a final mix.
To serve, pair this mouth-watering stir fry with a bowl of fragrant rice. Relish the warm, traditional Chinese dish, 西葫芦炒五花肉 (xī hú lu chǎo wǔ huā ròu). As we say in Mandarin, 请慢用 (qǐng màn yòng) – Enjoy your meal!
Complement Your Stir Fry with These Delectable Sides
Once you’ve mastered this succulent Pork Belly & Yellow Zucchini Stir Fry, why not elevate your dining table with a complete Chinese spread? Here are some side dishes from our collection that pair brilliantly with your main course:
- Easy Chinese Okra Salad Recipe: A light and refreshing side, this okra salad is a palette cleanser. The crunchy texture of okra combined with our special dressing will surely win your heart. It’s the perfect counterpart to the rich flavors of the pork belly and zucchini stir fry.
- 15-Minute Chinese Egg Fried Rice Recipe: A classic that needs no introduction! Egg fried rice is the quintessential Chinese side dish. It’s simple, flavorsome, and acts as the perfect base to enjoy the savory notes of your stir fry.
- Carrot and Celery Stir Fry: Add another layer of crunch and vibrancy to your meal. The sweetness of the carrots combined with the freshness of celery creates a delightful contrast to your main dish. This stir fry is quick to prepare, making it a go-to for those busy nights.
Explore these recipes on our site and create a meal that’s not only fulfilling but also offers a burst of authentic Chinese flavors on your plate!
Succulent Pork Belly & Yellow Zucchini Stir Fry: A Flavorful Chinese Delight!
Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes10
minutesDive into the rich flavors of our pork belly and yellow zucchini stir fry – an authentic Chinese recipe that’s both easy and mouthwateringly delicious!
Ingredients
200g yellow (or green)zucchinis
180g pork belly
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs light soy sauce
½ tbs dark soy sauce
13g oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine
1 tsp starch
3 cloves of garlic
1-2 dried chilli pepper (optional)
Salt to taste
Directions
- Cut 180g pork belly into thin slices put them in a container
- Add ½ tbs dark soy sauce, 13g oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ tsp Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing Wine, 1 tsp starch, massage the meat with your hand and set it aside to marinate for 10 mins
- Cut the zucchinis in half, and cut them into thin slices (half-moon shape)
- Peel 3 cloves of garlic, mince and set aside
- Heat up a frying pan, add 1 tbs vegetable oil and wait for the oil to be heated
- Add the marinated pork belly slices and stir fry for 4-5 mins, or until thoroughly cooked
- Take the pork belly slices out and put them in a container for later use
- Add 1 tbs vegetable oil to the frying pan
- Add dried chili pepper (optional)
- Add the sliced zucchinis, stir fry until soft, then add in the minced garlic
- Toss the cooked pork belly back into the frying pan, add 2 tbs light soy, stir fry for further 2 mins
- Add salt to taste and mix well before serving