Spicy pork stir-fry is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender strips of pork with a medley of fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and savory flavors, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pork loin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust amount to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat the pork evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey or brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Set aside. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce later.
3. Stir-Fry the Pork:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, and sliced red chilies. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Pork and Vegetables:
- Return the cooked pork to the skillet or wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring constantly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the pork and vegetables nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the spicy pork stir-fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Pork Stir-Fry:
- Meat Slicing: For tender pork, slice it thinly against the grain.
- Vegetable Prep: Cut the vegetables into uniform thin slices for even cooking.
- Adjusting Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha and red chilies.
- Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce. Adjust the amount of slurry depending on how thick you prefer the sauce.
- Garnish: Freshly chopped cilantro or sesame seeds can also be used as garnish for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this spicy pork stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy to complement the flavors and add more vegetables to your meal.
- Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day; the flavors often develop even more after resting.
This spicy pork stir-fry recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a bold and flavorful meal. With its tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and spicy sauce, it’s a dish that will become a regular in your dinner rotation.