This Pork Stir Fry delivers restaurant-quality results with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. Thinly sliced pork tenderloin cooks up incredibly tender while absorbing the rich stir fry sauce, and the colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables provides both vibrant visual appeal and satisfying texture. The sauce—a harmonious blend of soy, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey—clings beautifully to each ingredient, bringing the entire dish together in a glossy, flavorful coating. What makes this recipe truly special is its methodical approach: cooking each component separately ensures everything reaches perfect doneness before being reunited in the finished dish. This technique prevents overcooked vegetables and tough meat while allowing each element to shine.
The secret to this stir fry’s success lies in its preparation and timing. Slicing the pork when partially frozen makes achieving paper-thin strips remarkably easy, and having all ingredients prepped before heating the wok (mise en place) ensures a smooth cooking process. The sauce thickens perfectly thanks to the cornstarch slurry, creating a luxurious glaze that coats without being gloppy. This versatile recipe welcomes customization—swap vegetables based on what’s in season, adjust the heat level with more or less red pepper, or substitute chicken or tofu for the pork. Served over steamed rice or noodles, this stir fry comes together faster than takeout and delivers fresher, more vibrant flavors that will make it a regular in your weeknight rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Better Than Takeout: Fresh ingredients and balanced sauce create superior flavor
- Quick and Healthy: Ready in 30 minutes with lean protein and colorful vegetables
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or protein
- Perfect Texture: Each component cooked separately then combined ensures ideal doneness
Ingredients:
Stir Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
- 1-2 tablespoons mirin (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pork Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1¼ lb. pork tenderloin, sliced into very thin strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced julienne
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, mirin (if using), crushed red pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add pork in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding) and cook until seared and browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Stir Fry Vegetables
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, broccoli, and red bell pepper. Stir fry for 2 minutes, then add carrots and continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Transfer to a separate plate (do not cover).
Step 4: Thicken Sauce and Combine
- Whisk the sauce again to recombine, then pour into the skillet over medium heat. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the pork and vegetables to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips:
- Partially Freeze Pork: For easier slicing, freeze pork tenderloin for 30-45 minutes until firm
- High Heat is Key: Maintain medium-high heat for proper searing and stir-frying
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking in batches ensures proper browning rather than steaming
- Prep Everything First: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before starting to cook
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture
- Freezing not recommended as vegetables will become mushy upon thawing
This Pork Stir Fry delivers vibrant flavors and perfect textures that will make it your new go-to weeknight dinner. The methodical cooking process ensures each ingredient shines while coming together in a harmonious, restaurant-quality dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
