This Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry brings a beautiful balance of sweet and savory with tender pork slices glazed in a glossy soy and brown sugar sauce. The bright green scallions add a fresh pop of color and flavor, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it steaming hot over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every bit of the rich sauce.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe combines bold Asian flavors with simple ingredients that come together in minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and a touch of elegance with minimal effort.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, minced
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1/2 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup water
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2 teaspoons cornstarch
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4 green onions, sliced
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the sliced pork to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and stir well to coat. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in the sliced green onions and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
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Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins and Inspiration Behind Mongolian Pork
Though often associated with “Mongolian” in name, the dish as commonly made today is not necessarily traditional Mongolian food. The term “Mongolian” in many American and Western kitchens refers more to the style of preparation and sauce rather than the geographic origin. It likely evolved from Chinese stir-fry recipes, gaining popularity through restaurants specializing in fast, flavorful Asian-inspired meals. The core technique—quickly cooking thinly sliced meat over high heat with aromatic garlic and ginger, and coating it in a sweet and salty sauce—is a hallmark of many East Asian dishes.
Using pork as the main protein is a common choice because of its natural tenderness and ability to absorb flavors well. The brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness that balances the saltiness of soy sauce, while the ginger and garlic provide that signature fragrant warmth. This dish showcases how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create an unforgettable flavor profile.
Why Pork Works So Well in This Dish
Pork tenderloin or pork shoulder are ideal cuts for this recipe because they cook quickly and remain juicy when sliced thinly. Unlike tougher cuts, these allow the sauce to cling perfectly and the meat to stay tender rather than dry or chewy. Pork’s mild flavor also serves as a perfect canvas for the bold flavors of soy, garlic, and ginger, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness without being overwhelming.
Moreover, pork is a versatile protein that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a complete meal that satisfies on many levels. It also tends to be more affordable than some other meats, which makes this dish economical without sacrificing taste or quality.
The Role of Aromatics: Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger are foundational to this stir-fry, contributing more than just flavor. Garlic brings a deep, pungent aroma that warms the dish, while ginger adds a fresh, slightly spicy zing that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar. Together, they create a harmonious background flavor that elevates the pork.
When sautéed briefly in hot oil before adding the meat, these aromatics release their essential oils, infusing the entire dish with their essence. This process is crucial because it sets the tone for the sauce and ensures every bite has layers of flavor.
Balancing Sweet and Savory Flavors
The hallmark of Mongolian-style sauces is the balance between sweet and savory elements. In this recipe, soy sauce delivers the salty, umami backbone while brown sugar provides the necessary sweetness to counterbalance it. This interplay creates a complex taste that is deeply satisfying and addictive.
The cornstarch in the sauce is another important component—it acts as a thickening agent that transforms the liquid into a glossy glaze that beautifully coats the pork. This glaze not only adds to the texture but also helps the flavors cling to every morsel of meat.
How Green Onions Add Freshness and Crunch
Green onions (scallions) are added toward the end of cooking to preserve their bright color and fresh crunch. Their mild onion flavor complements the rich pork and sweet soy glaze without overpowering the dish. They also add an appealing contrast in texture and provide a vibrant pop of green that enhances presentation.
Besides flavor, green onions add nutritional benefits, including vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. This small addition helps balance the heaviness of the pork and sauce, making the dish feel lighter and more well-rounded.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. The most common accompaniment is steamed white rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce and makes the dish more filling. For a healthier twist, you can substitute brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
It also works beautifully served over stir-fried vegetables or noodles, providing a one-bowl meal packed with flavor and texture. Popular vegetable choices to complement this dish include bok choy, snap peas, bell peppers, and carrots, all of which add crunch and nutrition.
For added freshness, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can be served on top to enhance the visual appeal and introduce additional layers of flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry
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Thin slicing: To ensure the pork cooks quickly and stays tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This technique breaks down the muscle fibers and prevents toughness.
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High heat: Use a wok or large skillet over high heat to achieve a quick sear that locks in juices and caramelizes the sugars in the sauce.
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Sauce consistency: Mix cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding to the pan to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken properly to create that glossy coating on the pork.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking pork in batches if needed prevents steaming and ensures even browning.
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Adjust sweetness and spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar or add crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat and sweetness.
Nutritional Considerations
Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry is relatively balanced in calories, protein, and fat, making it a good option for a nutritious meal. Pork provides essential amino acids, vitamins such as B6 and B12, and minerals like zinc and selenium. The garlic and ginger also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
If you want to make it lighter, consider using less oil or leaner pork cuts. Adding more vegetables will boost fiber and micronutrients, enhancing the dish’s overall health profile.
Conclusion
Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry is a wonderfully flavorful dish that combines tender pork, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce. Its quick preparation and simple ingredients make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without fuss. The fresh crunch of green onions and the glossy, caramelized glaze add layers of texture and taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or casual dinners.
This dish’s versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes—add more spice, swap rice for noodles, or load it up with vegetables to make it your own. It’s an accessible way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors at home and brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re new to stir-fries or a seasoned cook, Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.