This Easy Pork Stir Fry is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. The pork stays tender, the vegetables keep their crunch, and the glossy sauce clings to every bite.
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It's a one-pan wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a flexible and forgiving recipe that always turns out delicious.
Plus, it's way cheaper and healthier than takeout, and you'll feel like a hero when you serve it up in just 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or loin, thinly sliced
Pork shoulder is more forgiving and stays juicy; loin is leaner. For easier slicing, freeze for 15 minutes first.
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Use low-sodium if you prefer. Tamari or coconut aminos work for gluten-free.
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Helps tenderize the pork and thicken the sauce. You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like canola or peanut.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder works in a pinch.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Ginger adds a zing. If you don't have fresh, use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Any color works. Swap with broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
1 cup (150g) broccoli florets
Cut into small pieces so they cook quickly. Cauliflower is a good substitute.
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
Use low-sodium. Vegetable broth also works.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
For a vegetarian version, use mushroom oyster sauce or hoisin.
1 tablespoon honey
Brown sugar or maple syrup can be used instead.
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Adds a nutty aroma. You can omit if you don't have it.
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Optional but adds freshness. Chives work too.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice the pork against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking – stir-frying goes fast.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to get a good sear.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end – soy sauce and oyster sauce can be salty.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice and marinate pork
In a bowl, toss the sliced pork with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. Heat the wok or skillet
Place a wok or large skillet over high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
3. Sear the pork
Add the pork in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove to a plate.
4. Cook aromatics and veggies
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper and broccoli, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright in color.
5. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
6. Combine and simmer
Return the pork to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Stir and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
7. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Delicious Variations
Spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Vegetable-packed
Use a mix of bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms.
Nutty
Stir in 2 tablespoons peanut butter with the sauce for a Thai-inspired twist.
How to Store Easy Pork Stir Fry
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in a hot wok or skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best cut of pork for stir fry?
Pork shoulder or pork loin are best. Shoulder has more fat for flavor, loin is leaner. Both work well if sliced thin.
Q: How do I keep pork tender in stir fry?
Slice thin against the grain, marinate with cornstarch, and cook quickly over high heat. Don't overcook.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess water. Adjust cooking time as they may be softer.
Q: What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
For a vegetarian option, use mushroom oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. Soy sauce with a bit of sugar is a simple substitute.
Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or use a substitute.
Try this tonight and let me know how it turns out! Share your twist in the comments below. Small steps, big impact.
Easy Pork Stir Fry
Easy Pork Stir Fry with tender strips and crisp veggies in a savory-sweet sauce, ready in 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or loin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
📋 Instructions
- 1Slice and marinate pork — In a bowl, toss the sliced pork with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the veggies.
- 2Heat the wok or skillet — Place a wok or large skillet over high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
- 3Sear the pork — Add the pork in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- 4Cook aromatics and veggies — In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper and broccoli, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright in color.
- 5Make the sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
- 6Combine and simmer — Return the pork to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Stir and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- 7Garnish and serve — Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, actionable changes that fit into busy routines. She shares practical tips from her own journey of reducing waste at home and in the community.
