Craving a flavorful dinner that’s both quick and satisfying? This Easy Pork Stir Fry is bursting with veggies, tender pork, and a deliciously savory sauce that blends taste with convenience. Pork stir fry is ready in a flash with bold flavors in every bite.
I absolutely love creating meals that feel indulgent but are secretly packed with wholesome ingredients. I find it so satisfying to enjoy a dish that tastes like a treat while knowing it's nourishing my body. This Easy Pork Stir Fry is a perfect example of that balance. It's a hearty meal that delivers on flavor and comfort, yet it's filled with lean protein and vegetables that provide essential nutrients.
Once the pork has been marinated to perfection, the rest of the recipe comes together in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The stir fry itself is a feast for the eyes with its array of colorful veggies, from crisp bell peppers to tender broccoli. Each bite is coated in a delicious sauce that strikes the perfect harmony between savory and sweet, thanks to a touch of natural honey. It's a dish that feels like a splurge but is wonderfully healthy and satisfying.
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Ingredients
- Pork Chops – Choose boneless pork chops for easy slicing. Look for chops with a little marbling for extra flavor. Slice into thin, even strips for quick cooking. You can also use thinly sliced pork tenderloin.
- Soy Sauce – Opt for a low-sodium version to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Teriyaki Sauce – You can use store-bought or homemade. If buying pre-made, check for options with lower sugar content for a healthier choice.
- Honey – Use natural honey for a touch of sweetness. This balances the savory flavors without being overly sugary.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral-flavored oil.
- Onion – Slice thinly to ensure quick cooking and even caramelization. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Bell Peppers – Any color will do, but a mix of red, yellow, and green adds vibrant color. Slice thinly for fast cooking.
- Carrot – Peel and julienne or thinly slice. This adds a slight sweetness and crunch to the stir fry.
- Broccoli Florets – Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor. Mince finely to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- Ginger – Freshly grated ginger provides a zesty, aromatic kick. If using ground ginger, halve the amount as it’s more concentrated.
- Sesame Seeds – Lightly toast them for extra crunch and a deeper nutty flavor before garnishing.
- Green Onion – Chop finely for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Sprinkle on top for a bright finish.
- Rice or Noodles – Serve with steamed rice or cooked noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and make it a complete meal.
See recipe card below for exact quantities and instructions.
How to Make Pork Stir Fry
- Step 1: Slice the pork and marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Slice the vegetables and prepare the stir fry sauce.
- Step 3: Add the sliced pork to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through. Remove pork from the pan and keep warm.
- Step 4: Stir fry the veggies until crisp tender. Return the pork to the pan and add the stir fry sauce. Simer 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Hint: Thinly slice the meat and veggies for quick cooking.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Protein - I love using juicy and tender pork in this recipe but you can use beef, chicken, tofu or even shrimp.
- Vegetables - Swap or add your favorite vegetables such as bok choy, snow peas, zucchini and mushrooms.
- Gluten Free - Use gluten free soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.
- Spicy - Add in a splash of sriracha or a bit of garlic chili oil for some heat.
- Crunch – Toss in a handful of peanuts or cashews.
If you like this stir fry recipe, also try my Easy Beef Chop Suey.
Equipment
You don't need any fancy equipment to make this Easy Pork Stir Fry. If you have a wok, it's perfect for high-heat, quick cooking and tossing the ingredients together. However, there's no need to go out and buy one just for this recipe. I personally love using my cast iron skillet; it holds heat well, gives a great sear to the pork, and works wonderfully for stir-frying. A large non-stick skillet or sauté pan will also do the job just fine!
Storing Leftovers
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best results, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Cooking Tips
- Slice the pork thinly and evenly to cook quickly and stay tender.
- Allow the pork to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Prep all of your vegetables before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly.
- Preheat the pan and maintain the high heat to get a nice sear on the pork and maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
- If your pan isn’t large enough, cook the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Don't overcook the veggies as they can become mushy.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or reducing it, based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
For a perfect pairing with pork stir fry, serve it with steamed rice or noodles or choose cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and crunch.
A side of Asian cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the dish, or you can serve it with stir-fried green beans sautéed with garlic and soy sauce, asparagus, or roasted sweet potatoes, which will bring a natural sweetness that complements the savory stir-fry.
A warm bowl of miso or wonton soup is another great option, balancing the richness of the pork with a comforting, light broth.
FAQ
While it's best to cook the stir fry fresh, you can prep the vegetables and marinate the pork ahead of time to save time on the day you're cooking. Once cooked, the stir fry can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
You can add more or less honey depending on how sweet you prefer the sauce. For a lower sugar option, try using stevia or another sugar substitute.
You can substitute the pork with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on the protein you choose.
Related
Looking for more pork recipes? Try these:
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RECIPE
Easy Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients
Pork and Marinade
- 4 boneless pork chops about ½ inch thick (1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce lower sodium
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce bottled or homemade
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 cup carrot julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce lower sodium
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons honey for sweetness
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger grated (fresh or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
Garnish and serving
- 1 tablespoon seasame seeds
- 1 green onion chopped
- rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the pork
- Slice the pork chops into thin strips or bite-sized pieces (about ¼-inch wide). This will help them cook faster and make them easier to mix with the vegetables.
- Marinate the pork in a mixture of 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce and 2 teaspoons honey for about 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cook the Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced pork to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
Stir Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, carrot, and broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- If needed, add a splash of water or broth to help steam the vegetables and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- While the vegetables are cooking, in a small bowl, combine soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic and grated ginger
- Stir to mix everything together.
Combine Pork and Sauce
- Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the cooked pork back into the pan.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the pork and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is coated in the delicious sauce.
Serve
- Serve the stir fry over steamed rice or noodles (optional, but recommended for a complete meal).
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition
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