Authentic Chong Recipe: A Traditional Asian Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground pork
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of chopped onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 cup of chopped green onions
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 package of rice vermicelli noodles, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes then drained
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground pork to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onions have softened.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, sugar, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the pork, onions, and garlic. Stir to combine.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the chopped green onions to the pan and stir to combine.
  8. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and stir quickly to combine and cook the eggs.
  9. Add the soaked and drained rice vermicelli noodles to the pan and gently toss to combine and heat the noodles.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the noodles before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook the ground pork and other ingredients.
  • Spoon - A spoon is necessary for breaking up the ground pork as it cooks.
  • Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the sauce ingredients.
  • Stove - The recipe requires a stove to heat the pan and simmer the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for chopping onions, garlic, green onions, and cilantro.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is needed to chop the vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper.
  • Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork can be used to stir and combine the sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula can be used to toss and combine the noodles with the other ingredients.
  • Timer - A timer is helpful to keep track of the simmering time.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground pork with ground chicken or ground beef for a different protein option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added crunch and color.
  • Include sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Replace rice vermicelli noodles with udon noodles or spaghetti for a different noodle variation.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Try using different sauces such as hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce.
  • Add a spicy kick by including chopped chili peppers or chili flakes.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like basil, cilantro, or ginger to enhance the flavors.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Include additional vegetables like bean sprouts, snow peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Recipe overview

Chong is a flavorful, hearty dish that is sure to please your palate. At its heart, it's a simple stir-fry that brings together ground pork, onions, garlic, and a savory soy-oyster sauce, but it's also so much more than that. The eggs and rice vermicelli noodles add a comforting, satisfying texture, while the fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This recipe walks you through the process step by step, making it easy for even novice cooks to achieve delicious results. Expect this dish to be a hit at your dinner table as it serves up a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Get ready to enjoy a meal that's not only filling and delicious, but simple to prepare as well.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork? Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
  2. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to customize the dish to your liking.
  3. Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar and Worcestershire sauce as a substitute.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the oyster sauce you use is also gluten-free. Additionally, you can substitute cornstarch with a gluten-free alternative like arrowroot powder.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy this dish immediately after cooking, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Then, you can quickly stir-fry everything together when you're ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed for cooking the ground pork, onions, and garlic.
  • Spoon - A spoon is necessary for breaking up the ground pork as it cooks and for stirring the ingredients.
  • Small bowl - A small bowl is required for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
  • Whisk - A whisk can be used to ensure the sauce ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for tossing and combining the noodles with the other ingredients in the pan.
  • Chopping board - A chopping board is needed for chopping the onions, garlic, green onions, and cilantro.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for chopping the onions, garlic, green onions, and cilantro.

Origin stories

Chong is a hearty, flavorful dish that hails from Southeast Asia, with variations enjoyed in countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. It's believed to have originated from humble beginnings, often prepared by fishermen and farmers who needed a simple, yet nourishing, meal that could be cooked using readily available ingredients. Interestingly, the name 'Chong' is thought to have been derived from the sound of the ingredients being stir-fried in the pan. The sizzle and crackle were likened to a lively conversation taking place in the pan, and thus the dish was named after this auditory experience. The heart and soul of this dish represent the resourcefulness and creativity of the local people, turning simple ingredients into a delicious symphony of flavors that continues to be enjoyed today.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.