This Garlic Pork Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish that brings together tender pork and colorful veggies, all coated in a delicious garlic sauce. Yum!
You don’t need a lot of time to whip this up—just toss everything in the pan and watch it sizzle! I love serving it over rice for a hearty meal. Give it a try! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I recommend using pork loin for its tenderness, but pork shoulder works great too for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap it with chicken or tofu.
Vegetables: The combo of bell peppers and green beans adds lots of color and crunch. You can swap green beans for snap peas or broccoli with bok choy if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. I prefer using more cloves for an extra kick!
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for that umami taste. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or tamari. Oyster sauce adds depth, but you can skip it for a vegetarian option or use mushroom sauce instead.
How Do I Get My Pork Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pork properly is crucial for a tender stir-fry. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Cut the pork into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Heat your pan until it’s hot before adding oil and the pork. A hot pan sears meat well!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to keep the heat up.
- Stir frequently so it cooks evenly and browns nicely. Aim for about 5-7 minutes total.
Remember to remove the pork as soon as it’s cooked through to keep it from drying out. You’ll get juicy pieces that are perfect for your stir-fry!
Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) pork loin or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved if long
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets or broccolini, chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or a touch of honey (optional, for mild sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for slight tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Pork Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick 25-minute meal perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, chop all your vegetables and cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and fast during the stir-fry.
2. Cook the Pork:
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork pieces and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they start to brown and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Throw in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Then add the optional sliced onion, green beans, broccoli, and both bell peppers. Stir-fry everything for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (or honey), rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want some spice). Toss everything together well so the sauce coats the pork and veggies evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
5. Final Touches:
Taste your stir-fry and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the pan from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil or cilantro for a pop of flavor.
6. Serve:
Serve your delicious Garlic Pork Stir Fry hot over steamed white rice or jasmine rice.
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Garlic Pork Stir Fry! It’s a quick meal that brings a rainbow of flavors to your table! 🌈🍽️
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini would all work beautifully in this dish. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can either skip it or substitute with a bit more soy sauce or a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try mushroom stir-fry sauce.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili sauce like sriracha or sambal oelek during cooking. Adjust gradually to find your preferred spice level!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!