This Garlic Pork Stir-Fry features tender pork slices cooked quickly with lots of garlic and veggies. It’s a simple, tasty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I’ve added extra garlic a few times and felt like I could run a mile afterward! It’s a strong flavor, but it makes the dish so delicious.
If you want to make it healthier, serve it with brown rice or cauliflower rice. It’s just as tasty and a bit lighter for your body.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that bold, pungent flavor. I peel and crush garlic to release more aroma; a tip is to microwave garlic for 10 seconds for easier peeling. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder works in a pinch, just use half as much.
Pork: Thinly sliced pork tenderloin or shoulder gives the stir-fry tender bites. I prefer pork shoulder for extra flavor, but pork tenderloin cooks faster. For a leaner option, chicken breast can be a good substitute, though it’s less juicy.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. I recommend low-sodium soy to control salt levels, and I like adding a splash of sesame oil for richer flavor. Coconut aminos are a good allergy-friendly substitute with a milder taste.
Vegetables (optional): Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add crunch and color. I cut vegetables into similar sizes to cook evenly. For variety, try other firm veggies like carrots or zucchini—just keep the cook time in mind.
How do I stir-fry without overcooking the ingredients?
Keep your heat high and prep all ingredients before starting. Work quickly to add ingredients in order of cooking time. Constantly stir to prevent sticking or burning, and don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed to keep everything crisp and tender.
- Heat your pan first until very hot to sear ingredients quickly.
- Add pork and cook until browned, then remove from pan to avoid overcooking.
- Add garlic and veggies, stir-frying briskly for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return pork to the pan, add sauce, and toss everything together briefly for flavor absorption.
How to Make Garlic Pork Stir-Fry?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork and Vegetables
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 10 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Slice the pork thinly. Mince the garlic. Slice the bell pepper. Chop broccoli into small pieces.
2. Cook the pork
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook pork for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables
Add the remaining oil. Stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds. Add bell pepper and broccoli. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Combine everything
Return pork to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, pepper. Mix well. Pour in cornstarch mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
