This Garlic Ginger Pork Stir Fry is packed with bold flavors from the perfect combination of ginger, garlic, and savory sauces. The tender pork, crisp vegetables, and thick sauce make for an irresistible meal.
Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving something sweet, salty, or a little spicy, this dish offers the right balance to satisfy every taste bud.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup onions, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup scallions, sliced (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Remove pork from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the sliced bell pepper and onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Return the cooked pork to the skillet, and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together, and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
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Drizzle with sesame oil if desired, and garnish with scallions.
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Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Pork for Stir Fry?
When making stir fry, it’s important to choose a protein that cooks quickly, and pork is a great choice. You can use boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin, both of which are lean and tender when sliced thinly. The stir fry’s fast cooking process makes it ideal for these cuts, ensuring the pork remains juicy and tender. If you prefer a non-traditional option, ground pork can also be used, adding a different texture and flavor profile to the dish.
Pork pairs beautifully with the strong flavors of garlic and ginger. The meat absorbs the sweet, spicy, and savory sauce, making each bite full of rich, bold flavor. For an even more delicious result, consider using fresh ginger and garlic, as they provide a stronger, more aromatic taste than their powdered counterparts.
The Versatility of Stir Fry
One of the best parts about stir fry recipes is their versatility. The basic components of stir fry include a protein, vegetables, and sauce, but beyond that, you can get creative. The vegetables can range from bell peppers to broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and more. You can customize the stir fry based on your personal preferences or whatever you have on hand.
You can also play with the flavor by adding more or less ginger and garlic, adjusting the amount of soy sauce, or even introducing new ingredients like sesame oil, honey, or chili paste for heat. Stir fry is the perfect dish for experimenting with flavors and textures, making it an ideal option for home cooks who love to tweak recipes to their liking.
Quick and Easy Cooking Method
The process for making this Garlic Ginger Pork Stir Fry is incredibly simple and quick. Start by slicing the pork into thin strips, cutting across the grain for the most tender results. When cooking the pork, use a high heat to ensure it cooks quickly and browns nicely. Avoid overcooking the pork, as it can become tough.
Once the pork is cooked, set it aside and use the same pan to cook the garlic and ginger, which will infuse the oil with their aromatic flavors. Add your vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender but still crisp. Finally, pour the sauce into the pan and cook until it thickens, then return the pork to the pan and stir everything together.
The Sauce That Makes It Special
The stir fry sauce is the key to the dish’s delicious flavor. It’s made with a combination of beef broth, soy sauces, brown sugar, ginger, and sambal oelek (a chili paste that adds a touch of spice). The sauce adds a wonderful balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, which coat the pork and vegetables. It’s also easy to make, and you can adjust the sweetness and spice levels according to your taste preferences.
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of sambal oelek or omit it entirely. The dark soy sauce adds a rich, deep flavor, while the light soy sauce provides saltiness without overpowering the other ingredients. This sauce is versatile and can be used in a variety of stir fry dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Ginger Pork Stir Fry
Traditionally, stir fry is served with rice or noodles. For a more nutritious option, you can swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice or serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb alternative. For this specific garlic ginger pork stir fry, hokkien noodles are a fantastic choice. They have a perfect texture, soaking up the sauce without getting too soggy.
The combination of stir fry with noodles or rice makes for a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s filling, flavorful, and quick to prepare, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free dinner option.
Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
To ensure your stir fry turns out perfect every time, consider these tips:
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Slice the Pork While It’s Partially Frozen: This will make it easier to slice the pork thinly and evenly. It also helps retain the tenderness of the meat when it cooks.
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Prep Ahead: Stir fry cooks very quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Chop your vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and whisk together the sauce.
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Use the Right Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils can handle the high heat required for stir frying without burning.
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Don’t Overcook the Pork: Pork cooks quickly in stir fry, and overcooking can make it tough. Stir-fry the pork just until browned and then remove it from the pan to prevent it from becoming dry.
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Add Sauce Toward the End: After cooking the vegetables, add the sauce and let it thicken before returning the pork to the pan. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the sauce coats the pork and vegetables perfectly.
Customizing Your Garlic Ginger Pork Stir Fry
One of the most appealing aspects of stir fry is its ability to be customized. You can easily change up the vegetables based on what you have available. If you prefer a more vegetable-heavy stir fry, feel free to add extra snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms. You can even use broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a different flavor.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, increase the amount of sambal oelek or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more brown sugar or honey. Stir fry is all about balance and creativity, so feel free to experiment with ingredients to make the dish your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Ginger Pork Stir Fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly flavorful dish. It’s fast, easy, and customizable, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors will appeal to a wide range of taste preferences, and the dish is versatile enough to suit various dietary needs.
With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this stir fry is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy takeout-style food at home without any of the unhealthy additives or extra calories. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
Conclusion
Garlic Ginger Pork Stir Fry is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table in no time. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a meal that’s easy to customize, this stir fry fits the bill. With tender pork, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this garlic ginger pork stir fry is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.