Ingredients:

• 8 ounces plant-based pork alternative
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add onion, carrot, and shiitake mushrooms, and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
4. Stir in the plant-based pork alternative and bell pepper, cook for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
7. While simmering, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
8. Uncover the pot and slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until thickened.
9. Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes:

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein to customize this dish.