Authentic Chinese Pork Chow Mein

• 1 1/2 lbs lean pork, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, more is desired)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 3/4 cups water, divided
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon molasses (do NOT omit)
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts
• 1 lb bean sprouts (or more)
• 1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms, drained
• salt and pepper
• 1 bunch green onion (optional)
• blanched almond, lightly toasted

1. Cut meat into thin strips.
2. Combine 2 tbsp cornstarch with sugar, blend in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp oil; mix to blend.
3. Pour over pork strips; toss well to coat, marinade in mixture for 20 minutes.
4. In a wok or large saute pan heat 2 tablespoons shortening; brown the meat lightly on all sides in hot shortening (after browning the pork you may add in chopped garlic and saute for 2 minutes if desired).
5. Add remaining 4 tbsp soy sauce and 1-1/2 cups water; simmer, covered on low heat for 45 minutes.
6. Add in the celery and onions; simmer for 15 minutes more.
7. In a small bowl, blend in remaining cornstarch with 1/4 cup water; stir into meat mixture.
8. Add molasses, water chestnuts, bean sprouts and mushrooms; heat thoroughly.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted almonds.

lean pork, garlic, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, shortening, water, stalks celery, onion, molasses, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, mushrooms, salt, green onion, blanched almond

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/authentic-chinese-pork-chow-mein-79774 (may not work)