When it comes to quick and satisfying dinners, pork stir-fry stands out as a delightful option. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to incorporate a variety of vegetables and flavors to suit your taste. In this blog post, we'll walk through a simple yet flavorful pork stir-fry recipe that's perfect for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these ingredients:
- Pork: 1 pound of pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, sliced thinly
- Vegetables:
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 cup of snow peas
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- Aromatics:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
- Sauces and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oils:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil for stir-frying
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Pork
Slice the pork into thin strips. This helps in cooking the meat quickly and uniformly. Season the slices with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will be your stir-fry sauce.
3. Chop Vegetables
Chop all your vegetables to ensure they cook at the same rate. Keep them separate or combine them in a bowl if they are of similar texture.
4. Cooking the Stir-Fry
Heat a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the vegetable oil or peanut oil. When the oil is hot:
- First, add the pork slices. Stir-fry until they turn brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pork from the wok and set aside.
- Next, add more oil if needed, and stir-fry the garlic and ginger for about 20 seconds to release their fragrance.
- Now, add the vegetables. Start with the harder vegetables like carrots, cooking them for a minute or two before adding the bell peppers and snow peas. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
- Return the pork to the pan, mix everything together, then pour in the stir-fry sauce.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Serving Suggestions
Your pork stir-fry can be served with:
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Noodles like lo mein or rice noodles
Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch or add a dash of sesame seeds for extra texture.
⚠️ Note: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to keep them crisp and colorful. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred level of tenderness.
This simple pork stir-fry recipe not only offers a quick meal solution but also a vibrant dish full of flavors and textures. Whether you're looking to add some variety to your weekly meal plan or need a fast dinner option, this recipe checks all the boxes. The blend of tender pork with a variety of vegetables in a savory sauce makes for an irresistible meal. You can easily adapt it by adding different veggies or even swapping pork for another protein like chicken or tofu.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this pork stir-fry?
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Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. They are pre-cut and frozen at peak freshness. Just make sure to pat them dry after thawing to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How can I adjust this recipe for a vegetarian diet?
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Replace the pork with tofu or tempeh. For protein, consider adding edamame or chickpeas. The sauce remains the same, but you might want to add a touch more soy sauce for extra flavor.
What are some good alternatives to pork for this recipe?
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Chicken, beef, shrimp, or even chunks of firm tofu are all excellent substitutes for pork in this stir-fry.
