This Garlic Pork Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! It’s packed with tender pork and colorful veggies, all cooked in a yummy garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up after a long day. Just toss everything in a pan, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: I like to use pork shoulder for its flavor and tenderness, but tenderloin works too. If you prefer a lighter option, try chicken or tofu instead!
Vegetable oil: This is perfect for stir-frying because it has a high smoke point. You can swap it for canola or peanut oil if you have them on hand.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives fantastic flavor. If you’re not a fan of strong garlic taste, you can reduce it to 3 or 4 cloves.
Bell peppers: I use both red and yellow for color and sweetness. Feel free to mix in green peppers or other veggies like carrots or broccoli if you like!
Oyster sauce: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can use soy sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Pork in a Stir Fry?
Cooking pork just right in a stir fry is key. Start with thin slices; they cook quickly and evenly. Here are some tips:
- Cut the pork against the grain for tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows it to brown nicely.
- Stir-fry over high heat and keep moving the meat in the pan for even cooking.
After the pork is cooked, remove it from the pan before adding vegetables. This ensures your pork stays juicy while you cook the rest!
Delicious Garlic Pork Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or fresh chili (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Pork Stir Fry will take you about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for cooking, totaling about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies:
Start by washing and chopping your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, slicing the onion, trimming the ends off the green beans, and slicing the green onions. Having everything prepped makes cooking much easier!
2. Season the Pork:
In a bowl, lightly season the sliced pork with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor to the meat.
3. Cook the Pork:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked pork from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Add the Onions:
Next, add the onion slices to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. This step adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
6. Cook the Veggies:
Now, toss in the chopped bell peppers, green beans, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, keeping their vibrant colors and crunch.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked pork to the pan and gently stir to combine it with the veggies. This allows the flavors to meld together.
8. Add the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sprinkle the chili flakes or fresh chili for some heat. Drizzle in the sesame oil, tossing everything well to coat evenly.
9. Final Cook:
Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors have come together beautifully.
10. Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro or basil if desired. Serve it hot over your choice of cooked rice or noodles.
Enjoy your colorful, garlicky, and savory Garlic Pork Stir Fry! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Meat for This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or shrimp are great alternatives. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as necessary—chicken and shrimp typically cook faster than pork.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can use any vegetables you enjoy! Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work well. Just try to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check any other sauces or condiments you use to ensure they’re gluten-free.
