Sichuan-Style Pork Stir-Fry with Homemade Chili Essence

1. Prepare the Marinade

Prepare the marinade by mixing together 2 tablespoons peanut oil, 1.5 tablespoons lightly beaten egg whites, 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon white rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon light soy sauce, 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sugar, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.125 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns in a bowl. Add the 12 ounces pork loin strips to this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the pork rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the pork is marinating, prepare the sauce by combining 0.5 cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons homemade chili sauce, 2 teaspoons light soy sauce, 1.5 teaspoons white rice vinegar, 1.5 teaspoons sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl. Set this sauce aside for later use.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Heat a wok over medium-high heat until it starts to smoke lightly. Add 1.5 tablespoons peanut oil and swirl to coat the wok. Add 1 tablespoon minced ginger and 0.5 teaspoon salt, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the ginger releases its aroma. Add 0.5 cup diced shallots and stir-fry for 1.5 to 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add 1 cup julienned red bell peppers, 1 cup julienned green bell peppers, and 0.5 cup julienned fresh water chestnuts, stir-frying for another minute. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set them aside.

4. Cook the Pork

Wipe the wok clean and reheat it over high heat. Add the remaining 2.5 tablespoons peanut oil, swirling to coat the wok. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and immediately add the marinated pork strips. Stir-fry for about 20 seconds, spreading the pork out so it cooks evenly. When the edges of the pork start to turn white, drizzle the remaining 1.5 tablespoons Shaoxing wine around the edge of the wok, allowing it to steam and cook the pork rapidly.

5. Combine and Serve

Return the reserved vegetables to the wok and stir them with the pork. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly, which should take about 1.5 minutes. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and enjoy your Sichuan-Style Pork Stir-Fry with Homemade Chili Essence immediately.