I am so happy that I have my food blog “clubs.” When times get challenging (like this summer), my inclination is to stop making the time to write. Although I truly love blogging and feel like it is a creative outlet for me, sometimes I feel like letting it slide.
So, I want to thank all the members of Cook the Books, C.L.U.E., and especially Food ‘n Flix for keeping me on track.
This month found Deb at Kahakai Kitchen hosting Eat Drink Man Woman. You can see her announcement post here.
It has been a number of years since I have seen this movie. I believe I rewatched it after Tortilla Soup came out. (Tortilla Soup is the English language/Latino version of Eat Drink Man Woman.) I was glad Deb chose this film. It gave me another excuse (not that I needed anymore) to enjoy a rare summer day off to spend on the couch vegging.
What better way to continue the vegging theme than to make a stir-fry?
Stir-Fry with Pork and Vegetables
Based on Pork Stir-Fry with Chines Vegetables1 lb. pork (loin or boneless chops), cut into cubes
2 T. sesame oil (I used a fiery toasted sesame oil.)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
4 baby bok choy, trimmed and separated
1 c. carrots, thinly sliced
3 stalks of celery, thinly sliced
8 oz. mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 c. vegetable broth
2 T. cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 c. waterHeat the oil in a large wok. Stir-fry the pork with garlic and onion until lightly browned. Add the carrots, celery and mushrooms, and stir-fry until tender. Add the bok choy and stir-fry until wilted. Add the soy sauce and stock, stirring the meat and vegetables to mix thoroughly. Stir in the cornstarch and simmer until slightly thickened, being careful not to overcook the vegetables.
This recipe is a new favorite. This makes a lot of stir-fry and I think it would be great with noodles, too, but I served it with the following fried rice.
I hesitated to make fried rice after Shan-Shan scoffs at a classmate’s lunch order: “Fried rice? Too easy for Mr. Chu.”
Taiwan Fried Rice
Based on Taiwan Fried Rice3 T. sesame oil (Again, I used a fiery version.)
1 c. green peas
1 c. grated carrots
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 T. minced garlic
1/4 c. soy sauce
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, partially drained
4 c. cooked riceHeat the oil in a large wok or skillet. Saute the peas, carrots, scallions and garlic until tender. Stir in the soy sauce and pineapple. Add the rice and toss until thoroughly mixed. (serves 4)
The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced ham. Because I was serving this as a side for our pork stir-fry, I omitted the ham. In the future, however, I will use this recipe as an entree and include the meat. This fried rice is delicious.
With our crazy schedules this summer, it had been a long time since I had cooked an entire dinner. I don’t know if that was the reason The Hubs went on and on about how good these dishes were or if he was just starved for a home cooked meal.
If you have not seen Eat Drink Man Woman, I encourage you to do so as soon as you are able. This may be the quintessential food lover’s dream film. Ang Lee, the gifted director, makes food the star of this family dramedy. The first Ang Lee film I ever say was his 1997’s The Ice Storm. Soon after, I sought out this film. My other Lee favorites include Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi. As I peruse through his filmography though, I see a few others that I am adding to my watchlist like Ride with the Devil and Taking Woodstock.
Thanks, Deb, for hosting this month!
I am hosting Food ‘n Flix next month with August: Osage County. Look for the announcement post here soon.
(Aside: The baby bok choy was harvested from our garden!)
Comments & Replies
27 responses to “Pork and Veggie Stir-Fry and Taiwan Fried Rice for Food ‘n Flix”
I just an hour ago purchased snap from the pod peas at out local mobile market!! YAY!! Now I have a recipe to try them out in. Thank you SO much. This looks delicious!!!
Peas would be a delicious addition!
Boy does that looks delicious! I love a good stir fry but have never made one – because I’m afraid I will mess it up. Posts like yours make me want to get braver!
Seriously, Kelli, how can you mess up a stir fry? You must try it as soon as you are able.
Think about who I am related to here – Actual Asian people! Fear of Failure I guess – but yours looks delicious!
LOL
I love that film and actually even watched it twice. Your fried rice looks really tasty, Debra.
It really is a sweet film. The food is amazing!
Good dishes here, Debra! Fiery version of the rice would work for me too and that stir fry has to be delicious! I’ve seen both of the movies a couple of times, they’re great foodie movies!
If I don’t have the fiery sesame oil in the future, I will definitely throw in some peeper flakes.
I’ve not seen the movie, but did L-O-V-E Tortilla Soup. Your rice looks delicious!
You should sit down for a viewing then!
I’m always in the mood for Asian. These both sound so good!
I get on kicks that stir fries are all I want to make. I think it has something to do with summer produce.
Glad you enjoyed your re-watch. This one never fails to make me drool. 😉
I love how fresh and vibrant your stir-fry looks and fried rice is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I like the spice you added with the fiery sesame oil too.
Thanks for joining in this month!
Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to revisit this film. I think it is a great companion for August: Osage County. You know, a dysfunctional family that does well…..Then, there are the Westons. 🙂
I saw this film years ago and now I need to watch it again. Obviously an inspiration for a great rice dish. We love eating meal like this. Good call on the rice over the noodles – IMO.
Yes, the rice dish will become a new favorite (with ham next time).
Beautifully tempting. Can’t wait for Aug’s selection. Kimberly (Coffee and Casseroles)
I’m a bit nervous. Hope everyone gets on board with the dysfunctionality of August!
I loved this movie too Deb and your meal looks lovely.
I could tell from your post that you loved the film. It is a favorite of mine, too.
Well, whatever the reason, it was the reaction that counts! And we were on the same wavelength with a stir-fry this month – yours looks absolutely mouthwatering. Plus, I think I need to make a batch of that fried rice immediately, it’s totally calling my name.
I think I am going to make it again for dinner tonight! (The fried rice….) Loved all the food. I do believe that your stir fry was a bit more elevated than this dish. You know, duck and all. 🙂
Delicious! My family would love this stir fry!
WOW and what a great recipe that I am salivating for now! I wish I could come through the screen and try!
I am glad we are connected through this month’s Food n Flix film too!
Thanks, Joanne. Wish I could send you some. This recipe makes a lot. They freeze well, too.