Savory Pork Stir Fry: A Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Ingredients

400 grams of lean pork, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium carrot, sliced
200 grams of snow peas
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 cup of chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons of cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the pork slices to the pan and stir fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until they're no longer pink. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and sliced carrot. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the snow peas to the pan and continue to stir fry for another minute.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken stock. Pour this mixture into the pan with the vegetables.
Return the cooked pork to the pan, stirring to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Continue to stir fry until the sauce has thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tools for making

Large pan or wok - This will be used to stir fry the ingredients.
Cutting board - Needed for chopping and slicing the vegetables and pork.
Knife - A sharp knife is essential for cutting the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - These will be used to accurately measure the sauces and seasonings.
Small bowl - Needed for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Whisk or fork - Used to mix the cornstarch and water together for thickening the sauce.
Spatula or tongs - Essential for stirring and flipping the ingredients while stir frying.
Plates or bowls - Needed for serving the pork stir fry.

Recipe variations

Substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn for more variety.
For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
Include other Asian-inspired sauces like hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings like ginger, five-spice powder, or sesame oil.
Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter stir fry, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Try serving the stir fry over steamed rice or noodles instead of eating it on its own.
For a lower-carb option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Recipe overview

Get your tastebuds ready for a quick and delicious dinner with this savory Pork Stir Fry recipe. This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it's also a great way to incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables into your meals. In this recipe, lean slices of pork are stir-fried to perfection, then combined with an array of vibrant vegetables including bell peppers, carrots, onions, and snow peas. The whole dish is then tossed in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock, and a hint of sugar for a touch of sweetness. The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight. So why wait any longer? Let's dive in and explore the process of making this tantalizing pork stir fry!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even tofu if you prefer.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you don't have fresh ones available. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the stir fry.
Can I use a different type of sauce? Certainly! You can experiment with different sauces to suit your taste. Some popular alternatives include hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a homemade stir fry sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting other vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy stir fry immediately after cooking, you can make the sauce and prep the ingredients ahead of time to save some time. Cook the stir fry just before serving for the best results.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok is ideal for stir frying the pork and vegetables.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for slicing the pork, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and carrot.
Knife - A sharp knife is required for slicing the ingredients.
Small bowl - You'll need a small bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Whisk or spoon - A whisk or spoon can be used to mix the sauce ingredients together.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
Small bowl or cup - A small bowl or cup is needed for dissolving the cornstarch in water.
Spatula or tongs - A spatula or tongs are helpful for stirring and flipping the pork and vegetables while stir frying.

Origin stories

Stir frying as a cooking technique has its roots firmly planted in the heart of Chinese cuisine. It dates back to the Han Dynasty, around 206 B.C. to 220 A.D., but only became widespread during the Ming Dynasty, thanks to the distribution of iron woks. This ancient technique was developed in response to fuel shortages; it allowed cooks to make delicious, complex dishes quickly, using very little fuel. The art of stir frying lies in the constant stirring and tossing of ingredients, providing even heat while preserving the freshness and flavor. It's fascinating to think that every time we whip up a quick stir fry, we're participating in a culinary tradition that's been handed down through centuries. Just as it nourished weary travelers and busy farmers in ancient China, this Pork Stir Fry can provide a quick, nutritious, and tasty meal for today's bustling lifestyles.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.