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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Jul 2, 2019 | Modified: May 10, 2021

    Vegetable and Pork San Choy Bow At Home

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    san choy bow served in a lettuce leaf

    This Homemade Vegetable and Pork San Choy Bow will surprise you with how easy it is to make. Delicious, yet healthy, Chinese food at home in a flash. This recipe is loaded with veggies yet still remains a family favorite, including the kids! Not to mention, it’s easy to make ahead and serves as a great option for leftover lunches.

    san choy bow

    Healthy, Homemade and Easy

    Although it’s fun to take the family out for a nice meal once in a while, it can get pricey and stressful very fast (hello two year old!). So, I love to find ways to make a delicious meal that saves us all the way around.

    This Pork and Vegetable San Choy Bow was the perfect answer to that problem and a delicious and family-friendly answer at that!

    One of my husband's go-to dishes, when we go out for Chinese food, has always been San Choy Bow. Although I am quite partial to it as well, I have to admit I always avoid it in restaurants, as there is no elegant way of eating that stuff and I always end up with sauce running down my arm and all over my clothes....very classy 🙂

    So instead my get my kicks from making it at home.

    san choy bow

    Sneaking Veggies Is Easy In This Homemade San Choy Bow Recipe.

    This homemade version of San Choy Bow is a twist on the original as we load it up with a ton of vegetables. The kids (including the big ones) still love it though, and the veggies are barely even noticeable mixed in with the pork mixture.

    That means I can use the dish as a way to get everyones vegetable servings for the day in, as well as my own.

    Dairy Free, Gluten-Free, and Low in Carbs.

    This is a dairy-free recipe as well as a low-carb dish.

    The only two ingredients that could potentially make this not gluten-free is the soy sauce and oyster sauce. However, if you check the labels, there are options for getting these both gluten-free, pretty easily.

    san choy bow

    What Ingredients Are Needed To Make This Easy San Choy Bow At Home?

    In order to make this Pork and Vegetable San Choy Bow, you’ll need:

    • pork mince,
    • crimini mushrooms,
    • zucchini,
    • celery,
    • onions,
    • lettuce,
    • soy sauce,
    • oyster sauce,
    • ginger powder,
    • sesame oil,
    • carrot,
    • garlic,
    • and sesame seeds if desired.
    big bowl of spiralized veggies

    Tips for Making the Perfect San Choy Bow

    When I served this version of san choy bow up for dinner the other night my toddler gobbled it up (sans the lettuce leaves) and my husband declared it to be the best San Choy Bow he has ever had.

    The traditional way to eat it is, of course, wrapped up in a smallish lettuce leaf, but I tend to serve mine in big romaine leaves and eat them burrito style.

    The next day I always enjoy any leftover pork mixture with some raw carrot and zucchini 'noodles' made with a vegetable spiralizer which is really yummy!

    • Be sure to smash the pork with a whisk while in the frying stage. This is imperative to receive the correct texture for the recipe. Although it will still taste good if you don't have a whisk, this method really adds a great texture and presentation to the dish.
    • If you want to keep this recipe MSG free and healthier, be sure to check the labels of the ingredients you’re using. With many of the sauces in this recipe, it’s easy for MSG to be included. Alhough the research is inclusive as to the effects of MSG I tend to err on the side of caution and avoid it just to be sure.
    • A traditional grater will work just fine when slicing up the vegetables. However, I used a Food Processor which made the task much easier. 

    If you have to smuggle vegetables for yourself, your husband or your kids then this pork and vegetable san choy bow is a great recipe, as those veggies are well hidden in the mixture.

    Check out this post for more inspiration on what to do with pork mince.

    Pork and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps

    Pork and Vegetable San Choy Bow

    Whole Food Bellies
    Make sure to check the labels of the sauces you are using so as to avoid MSG. You absolutely need to mash the pork with a whisk while in the frying stage in order to get the right texture with this one or it just won't taste as good.
    4.87 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 4 serves
    Calories 277 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 3 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 tablespoon ginger powder
    • 3 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 lb pork mince aim for pasture raised and organic
    • 1 large grated carrot
    • 1 large grated zucchini
    • 10 Crimini mushrooms chopped finely
    • 1 celery stalk chopped finely
    • 2 spring onions chopped finely
    • leaves Lettuce alternative: raw carrot and zucchini noodles
    • Toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions to serve
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce and ginger powder in a jug.
    • Heat sesame oil in a wok until very hot and add garlic followed by the pork mince. Using a whisk, stir fry and 'mash' the pork until half-browned.
    • Add the spring onions and half of the oil mixture and continue mashing until all pork granules are the size of green peas, or smaller.
    • Add chopped mushrooms, carrot, zucchini, celery and the rest of the oil mixture.
    • Stir fry for 5 minutes.
    • Serve in trimmed lettuce leaves and top with toasted sesame seeds and spring onions.
    • As an alternative serve prepared pork mixture on raw carrot and zucchini noodles with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and spring onions.
    • Enjoy.

    Notes

    I used a vitamix for 'grating' the carrot, zucchini and mushrooms to make it quicker but a traditional grater would work just fine.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 6.7gProtein: 16.5gFat: 20.7gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 376mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 2.5g
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Don’t forget to follow Whole Food Bellies on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post! Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lexi says

      May 13, 2021 at 8:50 am

      I made this last night with 100% plant based mince (as I'm a vegetarian) - and it was 10 out of 10 delicious! Will be making again - thank you for the recipe! 🙂

      Reply
      • Donna says

        May 14, 2021 at 11:52 am

        So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      July 05, 2019 at 5:01 am

      Everyone at my house will surely love this!

      Reply
    3. Renee Goerger says

      July 03, 2019 at 2:54 am

      I could not love this recipe more! The flavor is delicious and it's relatively easy to put together.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        July 05, 2019 at 1:08 pm

        Yay 🙂

        Reply
    4. Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says

      July 03, 2019 at 1:42 am

      I LOVE my spiralizer. This looks fun to make and delicious to eat. What a great meal on a hot summer day. Wrapped in lettuce makes it crispy and refreshing.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        July 05, 2019 at 1:08 pm

        Absolutely! And using lettuce leaves makes it a lot lighter too, perfect for hot days

        Reply
    5. Dorothy at Shockinglydelish says

      July 02, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      I am always excited to find recipes that look great AND they are dairy free, GF, and low carb!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        July 02, 2019 at 3:50 pm

        Well this one definitely ticks all those boxes 🙂

        Reply
    6. wilhelmina says

      July 02, 2019 at 11:02 am

      This is so, so, so good! Incredibly satisfying!

      Reply
    7. Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says

      February 26, 2016 at 6:35 am

      Oh, yes! I'm all over this. I've only recently started cooking with Asian flavors at home for the same reasons you don't eat out as often as you used to. I hope I have leftovers because I want to try it with the spiralized veggies, too.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 27, 2016 at 8:54 am

        Yeah my favourite version is definitely with the spiralled veggies (I actually make twice as much, just so I can have the leftovers the next day 🙂 ) My hubby loves the lettuce leaves though, as he spent his childhood eating them for special occasions! Hope you love them!!

        Reply
    8. Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says

      February 25, 2016 at 10:17 am

      I have never had San choy bow but it looks like something I would enjoy!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 27, 2016 at 8:55 am

        It is so yummy! Messy, but yummy 🙂

        Reply
    9. Sabrina says

      February 23, 2016 at 12:43 am

      I love this method of serving pork! This sounds like a really delicious dish!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 23, 2016 at 7:55 pm

        Thanks Sabrina 🙂

        Reply
    10. Diane says

      February 22, 2016 at 7:27 pm

      Donna, this looks so good! We never eat out for the same reason. Yucky tummies are the expense are not worth a bit of ambience. This recipe looks like a keeper. I'm intrigued by this one. I just have to make it!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 22, 2016 at 9:18 pm

        Oh thank you for your lovely words Diane, I hope you love it as much as we do 🙂

        Reply
    11. Oana@AdoreFoods says

      February 22, 2016 at 5:50 am

      Such a great recipe! Have to try it soon! We have also been trying to replicate some of our favorites at home 🙂 Just the thought of what is in those dishes....yuck!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 22, 2016 at 1:54 pm

        I know Oana, once you realise whats in there it can be hard to look past it!

        Reply
    12. Sarah says

      February 22, 2016 at 3:45 am

      Your pictures are beautiful. Making me crave Chinese food now. Hehe. 🙂 Pinning.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 22, 2016 at 1:54 pm

        Haha 🙂 thank you so much Sarah!

        Reply
    13. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

      February 19, 2016 at 7:54 pm

      This looks really good, and a declaration of "the best ever" seals the deal! I look forward to trying this!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 20, 2016 at 11:06 am

        Haha thanks Patricia 🙂 I hope you love it!

        Reply
    14. Amanda {Striped Sptaula} says

      February 19, 2016 at 5:43 am

      Lovely recipe! I, too, have been making some of my favorites at home to have better control over the preservatives, etc. (I'm so sensitive to MSG!) This looks delicious, pinning it to try.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 20, 2016 at 12:26 pm

        I hope you love it! My husband is ridiculously sensitive to MSG as well, it is almost like he has been drinking excessive amounts of caffeine when he eats it! I hope you love this version, it is a favourite in our house!

        Reply
    15. Mahy says

      February 18, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      OMG these look AMAZING Donna! Love the flavors, the single servings, the healthy factor in it, photos--everything!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 20, 2016 at 12:27 pm

        Oh thank you so much for your lovely words Mahy 🙂

        Reply
    16. Tracy @ Served from Scratch says

      February 18, 2016 at 5:01 pm

      I love that it's in a lettuce wrap! Pinning this for later!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 20, 2016 at 11:05 am

        Thanks Tracy 🙂

        Reply

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

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