This Garlic Pork Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish, packed with tender pork and colorful veggies, all tossed in a flavorful garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
You can whip this up in no time, and the smell is heavenly! I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork loin or tenderloin works best for this dish as they are tender and easy to slice. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: The mix of red and yellow bell peppers adds color and sweetness. You can swap these for any bell pepper or other veggies like snap peas or carrots, based on what you have on hand.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for that salty kick. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari. Oyster sauce adds a unique depth, but if you’re vegetarian, mushroom sauce can be a great substitute!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger boost flavor tremendously. If you’re short on time, ready-made minced garlic and ginger work too, but fresh gives the best taste. You might also try garlic powder in a pinch.
How Can You Achieve a Perfect Stir-Fry?
The key to stir-frying is high heat and quick cooking! Start by making sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding oil. This helps to sear the meat quickly and keep it juicy.
- Marinate your meat briefly to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Add the garlic and ginger to hot oil, allowing their flavors to release quickly without burning.
- Add vegetables in stages—harder ones like broccoli first, softer ones like bell peppers later—so they all cook evenly.
- The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce beautifully—add it towards the end to avoid overcooking.
These steps are crucial for getting that perfect stir-fry texture and flavor. Enjoy making this delicious dish with your personal touches!
Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) pork loin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Cooked jasmine or white rice, for serving
- Optional sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Pork Stir Fry takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
In a bowl, combine the sliced pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch slurry. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps to tenderize the pork and infuse flavor.
2. Cook the Pork:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork strips. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the pork is browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, but be careful not to burn them as they can turn bitter quickly!
4. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced onion, broccoli florets, asparagus, and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
If you like it spicy, add the crushed red pepper flakes now. Then pour in the cornstarch slurry (if not used earlier) to help thicken the sauce. Stir constantly for about a minute until the sauce coats the pork and vegetables nicely.
7. Final Touches:
Cook for another minute, checking the seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste if needed.
8. Serve It Up:
Serve your Garlic Pork Stir Fry hot over a bed of cooked jasmine or white rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle on some sesame seeds if you’re using them. Enjoy your delicious and colorful meal!
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Other Meats for This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or beef would work well in this recipe. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed; chicken and beef may take a bit longer. For a vegetarian option, tofu is a great substitute!
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can mix and match based on what you have on hand! Snap peas, carrots, or zucchini are great alternatives. Just ensure that the cooking times are similar so they become tender but still crisp.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan to keep it from drying out. Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add fresh chili peppers for an extra kick. Just adjust to your personal heat preference!
