Napa Cabbage Stir-Fry

Instructions

1. Gather all the ingredients.
2. Cut ¼ head napa cabbage crosswise into pieces 2 inches (5 cm) long, and then cut the tough, thick pieces in half or thirds lengthwise.
3. Cut off and discard the stems of 3 shiitake mushrooms. Thinly slice the shiitake caps.
4. Cut 3 slices applewood smoked bacon into strips ½ inch (1.3 cm) wide.
5. Heat an ungreased large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the bacon and stir-fry.
6. Cook until the bacon fat has rendered. I added 2 tsp neutral oil to coat the bottom of my well-seasoned carbon steel pan as there wasn't enough rendered fat.
7. Add the tough, thick pieces of napa cabbage. Sprinkle with half of the ¼ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
8. Stir to mix and cook, covered, on medium-low heat for 2 minutes.
9. Open the lid and steering wheel. Add the shiitake and the tender, leafy pieces of the napa cabbage.
10. Sprinkle with the rest of the salt and stir to mix.
11. Cook, covered, for 3–4 minutes. Open the lid and see if the tough napa cabbage pieces are cooked through.
12. If not, cover and continue to cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir to make sure the napa cabbage is crisp-tender and evenly cooked.
13. Season with ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper and 2 tsp soy sauce. Stir to mix.
14. Transfer the Napa Cabbage Stir-Fry to a large plate. I sprinkle my stir-fry with freshly ground Japanese sansho pepper (optional) to enjoy.
15. You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container and keep them for 3 days in the refrigerator or for up to a month in the freezer.