Smoky Arteflame Moo Shu Pork: The Ultimate Flat Top Stir Fry

Introduction

Moo Shu Pork is a classic staples of Northern Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its savory flavors and contrasting textures, but it reaches an entirely new level when cooked on the Arteflame grill. While traditional recipes rely on a wok to generate high heat, the Arteflame’s solid carbon steel cooktop provides an exceptional surface for searing, mimicking the coveted "wok hei" or "breath of the wok" that makes restaurant stir-fries taste so good. Cooking this dish outdoors allows you to achieve incredibly high temperatures without smoking out your kitchen, searing the pork tenderloin instantly to lock in juices while keeping the vegetables crisp and vibrant.

This recipe is designed specifically for the flat-top grilling experience. The zonal heat of the Arteflame allows you to manage different ingredients simultaneously—scrambling eggs on the gentler outer ring while flash-frying marinated pork and crunchy cabbage near the intense center fire. The result is a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet filling wrapped in delicate Mandarin pancakes. It is a fun, interactive meal that brings the excitement of a hibachi-style dinner right to your backyard, perfect for a weeknight family meal or an impressive weekend gathering.

Ingredients

The Marinade and Pork

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

The Stir Fry

• 4 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or high-heat oil like avocado oil)
• 3 cups Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage, thinly shredded
• 8 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced (or fresh shiitake)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 4 green onions (scallions), cut into 2-inch pieces
• Salt and white pepper to taste

The Sauce and Serving

• 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce (plus more for spreading)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 12 Mandarin pancakes or flour tortillas (warmed)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

1. Slice the pork tenderloin as thinly as possible against the grain. Pro tip: freezing the meat for 20 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
3. Add the pork strips to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes while you prep the vegetables. This process, known as velveting, ensures the meat stays tender during the high-heat sear.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a hot center for searing and a cooler outer ring for holding cooked ingredients.
2. Allow the cooktop to heat up for about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Lightly oil the surface of the cooktop with vegetable oil, using a paper towel to spread it evenly and season the steel.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

1. Pour the beaten eggs onto a medium-heat zone of the cooktop (not directly next to the fire).
2. Let them set slightly, then push them around with your spatula to create large, soft curds.
3. Once the eggs are just barely cooked through but still moist, slide them to the coolest outer edge of the grill or remove them to a plate to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Sear the Pork

1. Add a little more oil to the hottest part of the cooktop, near the center grate.
2. Place the marinated pork strips onto the hot steel in a single layer. You should hear an immediate, aggressive sizzle.
3. Sear the pork for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until browned and cooked through.
4. Move the cooked pork to the outer ring of the cooktop to keep warm.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables

1. Add the garlic and ginger to the medium-heat zone and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Immediately add the shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and shredded cabbage.
3. Toss the vegetables vigorously on the flat top for 2–3 minutes. You want the cabbage to wilt but retain a distinct crunch.
4. Add the green onions during the last minute of cooking.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

1. Bring the pork and eggs back into the center with the vegetables.
2. Pour the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sugar mixture over the ingredients.
3. Toss everything together on the grill for 1 minute until the sauce coats everything evenly and starts to caramelize.
4. Remove from the grill immediately. Serve with warm Mandarin pancakes, extra hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions.

Tips

When cooking stir-fry on the Arteflame, preparation is absolutely critical. This style of cooking moves incredibly fast; once you start searing the pork, the entire dish will be ready in under ten minutes. Therefore, you must practice "mise en place"—have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and placed in bowls next to the grill before you light the fire. This prevents you from burning the garlic while you are frantically searching for the bamboo shoots. Furthermore, because the Arteflame cooktop is solid, you don't have to worry about small ingredients falling through the grates, so don't be afraid to chop your aromatics finely.

Another essential tip is to manage your heat zones effectively. The center of the Arteflame is your "wok," providing the intense heat needed for searing, while the outer rim acts as a warming plate. If you feel the cabbage is browning too quickly before it wilts, simply slide it further away from the center fire. Conversely, if you want a better char on the pork, move it closer to the flames. Lastly, warm your tortillas or pancakes directly on the clean outer edge of the grill for 30 seconds before serving for a delightful, toasty texture.

Variations

Moo Shu Pork is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have in your fridge. While pork is traditional, the marinade and cooking method work wonderfully with other proteins. You can easily swap the pork for chicken breast, thinly sliced flank steak, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with firm tofu cut into strips or simply increase the volume of shiitake and wood ear mushrooms for a meaty, umami-rich texture. Here are a few popular variations to try on your grill:

• Moo Shu Chicken: Use sliced chicken breast velveted with egg white and cornstarch for a lighter option.
• Spicy Szechuan Style: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or fresh chili paste to the stir-fry for a heat kick.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace pork with smoked tofu and add julienned carrots and snow peas for extra color.
• Keto-Friendly Bowl: Skip the pancakes and sugar; serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce cups.
• Seafood Twist: Use shrimp and scallops, adding them at the very end to prevent overcooking.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you want sides and drinks that complement the savory, salty, and slightly sweet profile of the Hoisin sauce. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, consider making a side of vegetable fried rice right on the griddle alongside the Moo Shu. The high heat is perfect for crisping up day-old rice. A simple cucumber salad with vinegar and sesame oil also provides a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich pork and pancakes. For a heavier side, grilled baby bok choy with a garlic soy glaze is an excellent choice.

regarding beverages, a crisp, dry white wine cuts through the richness of the pork and egg. A Riesling or a Gewürztraminer is particularly good as the slight sweetness pairs beautifully with the hoisin. If you prefer beer, a light Asian lager or a pilsner is refreshing and won't overpower the delicate flavors of the veggies. For a non-alcoholic option, iced jasmine tea or a sparkling plum soda offers a floral and fruity balance that enhances the overall dining experience.

Conclusion

Cooking Moo Shu Pork on the Arteflame grill transforms a standard takeout dish into a culinary event. The combination of the high-heat sear on the carbon steel cooktop and the subtle infusion of wood smoke creates a depth of flavor that is simply impossible to replicate in a kitchen skillet. The vegetables stay crisper, the meat develops a better crust, and the sauce caramelizes perfectly without becoming soggy. It is a testament to the versatility of flat-top grilling and how it can elevate Asian cuisine.

We hope this recipe inspires you to try more stir-fry dishes on your grill. Whether you are hosting a summer party or just looking for a quick, flavorful dinner, this Moo Shu Pork delivers on all fronts—taste, texture, and the sheer joy of outdoor cooking. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the sizzle of homemade Chinese BBQ right in your own backyard.