This Garlic Pork Stir Fry is packed with juicy pork and colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli, all tossed together in a yummy garlic sauce. It’s quick and sure to please everyone!
You can whip this up in a flash—perfect for those busy weeknights! I love serving it over rice for a satisfying meal that feels fancy but is super easy. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork tenderloin is lean and tender, but pork shoulder adds great flavor and juiciness. If you want a lighter option, chicken or tofu work well too!
Vegetable Oil: I often use sesame oil for an extra nutty taste. If you don’t have it, any oil like canola or olive oil will do just fine.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really makes this dish pop! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used—just 1 teaspoon will add flavor but won’t match the freshness.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in any veggies you love or have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would be great additions!
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. For a lower-sodium version, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
How Do I Make Sure the Pork is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pork just right is key to a tasty stir fry. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the pork thinly against the grain—this makes it more tender on your bite.
- Heat your skillet or wok until it’s hot, but not smoking—medium-high heat is ideal.
- Add the pork in a single layer, letting it sear rather than crowding the pan. This helps it brown nicely.
- Don’t forget to stir and check; it usually cooks for about 4-5 minutes. Remove it once it’s just cooked to avoid being dry.
Following these steps will give you juicy and delicious pork in your stir fry!
Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus tips, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Pork Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s a speedy recipe that can get dinner on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by washing and prepping all your vegetables. Slice the pork thinly against the grain, which helps make it tender. Mince the garlic and slice the onion while you’re at it.
2. Cook the Pork:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork and stir fry until it’s browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Then toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions. Stir fry these until they’re fragrant and the onions start to soften, which takes about 2 minutes.
4. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, asparagus, and green beans to the pan. Stir fry all the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp—a nice crunch here adds flavor!
5. Combine and Season:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked pork to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything well and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once ready, remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Garlic Pork Stir Fry! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu would work great as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly since different proteins may require different cooking durations.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes, or you can also introduce some sliced fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can chop your vegetables and slice the pork ahead of time! Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers. However, it’s best to cook the stir fry fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist when reheating.