This Garlic Pork Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish that packs a punch with its flavorful garlic sauce and tender pieces of pork. It’s colorful and a great way to get your veggies in!
You can’t go wrong with all that garlic—it’s like a flavor party in your mouth! I love serving it over rice; it really soaks up that yummy sauce. Who’s ready for a dinner celebration? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork tenderloin adds tenderness to the dish. If you’re looking for something leaner, chicken breast works well. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh, just adjust cooking times.
Vegetables: Bell peppers add sweetness and color. You can use other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to chop them evenly for consistent cooking!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but if you have garlic powder, use 1/8 teaspoon per clove—just keep in mind it won’t have the same punch.
Sauces: Soy sauce brings saltiness. If you need a gluten-free version, use tamari instead. Oyster sauce can be replaced with mushrooms or hoisin for a vegetarian twist.
How Do I Get My Pork to Stay Tender?
To ensure your pork remains tender, follow these tips:
- Slice the pork thinly against the grain. This helps break up the muscle fibers for a more tender bite.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when stir-frying. This allows for better browning and prevents steaming.
- Cook over high heat for a short time. This locks in moisture while ensuring it cooks through quickly.
With these tips, your garlic pork stir fry will be deliciously tender every time!
Garlic Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes or toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Pork Stir Fry requires about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes to whip up a delicious meal that serves about 4 people. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing and slicing the bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, and onion. Don’t forget to mince the garlic too! Having everything prepped ensures the cooking goes smoothly.
2. Slice the Pork:
Thinly slice your pork into bite-sized strips. Remember, slicing against the grain will help keep your pork tender. It’s worth the effort!
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. This is perfect for achieving that nice sear on the pork.
4. Stir-Fry the Pork:
Add the pork strips to the skillet and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are browned and just cooked through. Once done, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside for later.
5. Add More Oil and Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
6. Add the Veggies:
Now add in the red and yellow bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 4-5 minutes, aiming for them to be tender but still a bit crisp.
7. Combine Pork and Sauce:
Return the cooked pork to the skillet with all the veggies. Stir to combine. Then, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything well so all that flavor gets distributed.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, add the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the pork and veggies. It should look glossy and wonderful!
9. Finish with Seasoning:
Before taking it off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve your delicious stir fry hot over cooked white rice. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra kick!
Enjoy your vibrant, savory Garlic Pork Stir Fry full of fresh vegetables and bold tastes! It’s delicious and makes any dinner feel special. 🌟
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork is the star here, you can easily swap it for chicken, beef, or even shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times based on the type of meat you choose to ensure everything is cooked through.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have all the listed vegetables on hand, no worries! You can use broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or even zucchini. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for about 1-2 minutes or stir-fry on medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking or incorporate some chopped chili peppers or sriracha into the sauce. Adjust according to your spice preference for that perfect kick!
