This Garlic Pork Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! Juicy pork strips are cooked with fresh veggies in a flavorful garlic sauce that brings everything together.
I love how colorful it looks on my plate, and the smell? Oh boy! It’s enough to make my family gather around the table in no time. Just serve it over rice, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork shoulder or tenderloin. They’re tender and cook well in stir fry. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast or tofu makes a good substitute while still delivering great flavor.
Vegetable Oil: This recipe calls for vegetable oil, but feel free to use canola, peanut, or sesame oil for added flavor. Each will give a unique twist to the dish!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings amazing flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove to maintain the taste.
Chili Flakes: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chili flakes. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave them out, or even sprinkle in some sweet paprika for flavor without the heat.
Vegetables: While I love using bell peppers and green beans, you can swap in broccoli, carrots, or snow peas based on what’s on hand. This makes the dish flexible and colorful!
How Do I Perfectly Stir-Fry Without Burning Anything?
Stir-frying is fast and furious! Here’s how to get it right:
- **High heat:** Use medium-high heat to ensure quick cooking. This helps keep your veggies crunchy.
- **Prep ahead:** Have all ingredients ready before you start. Stir-frying happens quickly, and you don’t want to scramble mid-cook.
- **Small batches:** If you have a lot in the pan, it can steam instead of fry. Cook the pork in batches if necessary.
- **Keep it moving:** Stir constantly to avoid burning. It helps cook everything evenly and keeps flavors fresh!
By following these tips, you’ll create a flavorful stir fry that looks just as good as it tastes! Enjoy your cooking time!
Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or tenderloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup green beans or snap peas, trimmed and halved
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Pork Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Begin by thinly slicing the pork against the grain into strips. This will help keep the meat tender as it cooks. Set the sliced pork aside for now.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if you’re using it), and brown sugar or honey. Stir until the sugar dissolves well. This sauce will add great flavor to your stir fry!
3. Cook the Pork:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork to the hot pan and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Then, toss in the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and green beans. Stir-fry these veggies for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender yet still crisp.
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked pork to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and vegetables. Toss everything together carefully to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully!
6. Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the stir fry over a bed of warm, cooked white rice. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor!
7. Enjoy Immediately:
Serve your delicious Garlic Pork Stir Fry hot and enjoy every flavorful bite! It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
This recipe shines with garlicky goodness, colorful veggies, and a delightful mix of sauces, making it a perfect choice for any dinner table.
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can swap the pork for chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary for different proteins to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers of any color work well. Just make sure to cut them thinly and adjust cooking times accordingly.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Simply replace the soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives or use tamari sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious stir fry!