How to Eat Moo Shu Pork Like a Pro

Moo shu pork a classic Northern Chinese dish has delighted taste buds across America since its introduction in the 1960s. The savory stir-fried pork and vegetable medley comes with thin wheat flour pancakes that allow you to wrap up every delicious bite. But what exactly is the proper way to eat moo shu pork? Follow this guide to learn pro tips and discover creative ways to enjoy this Chinese restaurant favorite.

Understanding Moo Shu Pork

Moo shu pork features tender sliced pork (usually shoulder or loin) stir-fried with mushrooms, cabbage, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms and sometimes bean sprouts or other veggies. The mixture gets seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, eggs, and sesame oil. Distinguished by its signature hoisin-based sauce, moo shu pork offers a barrage of sweet, salty and umami flavors in each bite.

Traditionally, the pork and veggie mixture gets served alongside warm, paper-thin pancakes made with wheat flour. You fill each little pancake with a bit of the moo shu pork, add hoisin sauce, wrap it up and devour. The contrasting textures and flavors – the soft pancake, the crunchy veggies, the savory pork, the tangy hoisin – create a scrumptious experience.

While pancakes might be the customary vessel, moo shu pork can be enjoyed in creative ways too. Follow these pro tips for savoring every morsel of this Chinese takeout classic.

Tips for Eating Moo Shu Pork

Heat the Pancakes

Before filling your pancakes quickly heat them up to bring out the best texture. You can throw them in a dry skillet or wok for 30-60 seconds, or microwave stacked pancakes for 20-30 seconds. Heating revives their soft pliability.

Brush on Hoisin Sauce

Don’t be shy with the hoisin! This sweet, salty sauce adds tremendous flavor. Use a brush or knife to generously coat the interior of each pancake before adding the fillings.

Fill ‘Em Up

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the pork and veggie mixture onto the lower third of each pancake. Top with sliced green onions, cilantro or other garnishes if desired. Resist overstuffing or it will be tricky to wrap.

Roll ‘Em Up

To wrap the filled pancake, fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides and continue rolling upwards. The final product will resemble a mini burrito.

Customize Your Bite

Feel free to adjust the pork to pancake ratio in each wrap. Add extra hoisin, chili sauce or other condiments to customize your taste experience.

Don’t Overcook the Leftovers

When reheating leftover moo shu pork, take care not to overcook the pork or it will dry out. Microwave just until warmed through or use the oven or stovetop, stirring frequently.

Alternative Serving Styles

While moo shu pork is intended to be eaten wrapped in pancakes, there are other tasty ways to enjoy it:

• Over a bowl of steamed rice as a complete meal
• Stir fried with fried rice for a quick lunch
• Wrapped in small flour tortillas or taco shells
• Spooned into lettuce cups for a low-carb option
• Tossed with noodles like chow mein or pad thai
• Served open-faced on the pancakes like bruschetta
• Turned into dumplings or potstickers for an appetizer
• Used as a topping for nachos, pizza or baked potatoes

So don’t limit yourself to just pancake wraps. Unlock the full potential of moo shu pork by trying inventive serving styles.

Tips for Handling Leftovers

Moo shu pork leftovers not only make great next-day lunches but also freezer meals. Follow these storage tips:

• Let the moo shu pork cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store the pork mixture and the pancakes separately.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days.
• Freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently in the microwave, oven or stove to avoid drying out the pork.

With proper storage, you can enjoy moo shu pork again later without compromising taste or food safety.

Make Your Own Pancakes

While store-bought moo shu pancakes totally suffice, making homemade ones lets you control the thickness and texture.

To make the pancakes, whisk together flour, boiling water, sesame oil and salt into a shaggy dough. Let it rest then roll it into a log and cut into discs. Roll out each disc into a thin 4” round. Lightly oil and sandwich two together, then roll out into a 7” pancake, peeling them apart after cooking.

It takes practice to master homemade moo shu pancakes but it’s a worthwhile effort. You’ll impress guests with your authentic pancake wrapping skills.

Play with Different Proteins

While pork may be traditional, you can make tasty moo shu dishes with other proteins too:

Moo Shu Chicken – Substitute sliced chicken breast for a lighter option

Moo Shu Beef – Thinly sliced flank steak offers a pleasing chew

Moo Shu Shrimp – Plump shrimp pairs nicely with the veggie medley

Moo Shu Tofu – For a vegetarian version, swap in cubed firm tofu

The signature moo shu flavors adapt well to any protein, so get creative.

Pair with Other Chinese Dishes

A moo shu pork entree needs some delicious accompaniments. Round out your Chinese takeout feast with dishes like:

• Vegetable stir fries like broccoli beef or string beans
• Steamed or fried rice
• Egg drop or hot and sour soup
• Spare ribs, chicken wings or fried shrimp
• Scallion pancakes or crab rangoon
• Cold sesame noodles for a refreshing contrast

By combining moo shu pork with a variety of complementary takeout favorites, you can create a well-balanced and mouthwatering Chinese banquet at home.

Top Tips for First Timers

If you’ve never tried moo shu pork before, keep these beginner tips in mind:

• Start with ordering it from a restaurant first before attempting your own
• Request extra pancakes since it takes practice to master wrapping them properly
• Don’t be afraid to ask for hoisin and chili sauce on the side to adjust flavor
• Watch online videos to see pancake wrapping techniques before diving in
• Use ground pork or pork tenderloin if concerned about fat/gristle
• Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or water chestnuts to the stir fry
• Accompany it with white or brown rice to make it a complete meal

Moo shu pork may seem unusual at first but follow this advice and you’ll quickly become a fan.

With its complex medley of flavors and textures, moo shu pork makes for an immensely satisfying meal that you’ll crave again and again. So next time you’re in the mood for Chinese, grab some pancakes and whip up a sizzling batch of moo shu. Your tastebuds and wallet will thank you.