Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce

Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is a quick and vibrant dish that delivers bold flavor, crisp-tender vegetables, and succulent pork in every bite. Coated in a savory, garlicky sauce with hints of soy, ginger, and sesame, this stir-fry offers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, healthy, and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Every element — from the juicy pork strips to the colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots — comes together harmoniously in a glossy garlic sauce that clings to every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a true one-pan wonder — quick, nutritious, and bursting with fresh flavors. It combines everything I enjoy in a meal: crisp vegetables, lean protein, and a rich, garlicky sauce that satisfies every craving.

The sizzle of the wok, the aroma of garlic and soy, and the vibrant colors of the vegetables make cooking (and eating) this dish an experience in itself. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable — you can swap in whatever veggies or protein you have on hand.

It’s a recipe that proves you can eat well without sacrificing time or taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
• Loaded with Veggies – A wholesome, nutrient-packed meal.
• One-Pan Dish – Easy cleanup and fast preparation.
• Flavor Explosion – The garlic sauce brings restaurant-style flavor at home.
• Customizable – Works beautifully with chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp too.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~370 kcal per serving

Cuisine

Asian / Chinese-Inspired

Course

Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced into strips
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ½ cup snap peas (optional)
• ½ small onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1½ tbsp honey or brown sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the garlic sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients.
2. Stir-fry the pork until golden brown, then remove.
3. Cook vegetables until crisp-tender.
4. Add pork back, pour in sauce, and toss until everything is coated and glossy.
5. Garnish and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) separately and set both aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pork

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork slices in a single layer; season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
4. Remove pork from the wok and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
2. Add onions, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
3. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, keeping them crisp yet tender.

Step 4: Combine and Add Sauce

1. Return the cooked pork to the wok.
2. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the pork and vegetables.
3. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
4. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for shine and aroma.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle green onions on top.
2. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.

How to Serve

Serve this stir-fry hot, right out of the wok!

Perfect pairings include:

• Jasmine or brown rice
• Steamed noodles or soba noodles
• Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
• A side of Asian cucumber salad or spring rolls

Additional Recipe Tips

• Cut evenly: Slice pork and vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
• Hot wok = perfect sear: Ensure the wok is hot before adding pork for great color and texture.
• Don’t overcook veggies: They should stay crisp and bright.
• Sauce thickness: Adjust cornstarch slurry for a thinner or thicker sauce as you prefer.
• Meal prep-friendly: Slice pork and veggies in advance to save time.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Pork Stir-Fry: Add extra chili paste or Sriracha for more heat.
2. Sweet and Sour Version: Replace honey with pineapple juice and add pineapple chunks.
3. Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or serve without rice.
4. Ginger-Lime Twist: Add lime juice and zest instead of vinegar for a citrusy finish.
5. Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute pork with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Freeze:

• Freeze the stir-fry (without rice) in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Reheat gently in a skillet or wok with a splash of water or broth.
• Avoid microwaving for too long — it can make the vegetables soggy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large nonstick skillet
• Sharp knife for slicing
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk (for sauce)

Conclusion

Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is a delightful balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s a go-to recipe when you want something satisfying yet light — combining the tenderness of pork, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the deep aroma of garlic.

It’s quick enough for weeknights, beautiful enough for guests, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it over steaming rice or slurp it with noodles, this dish brings a taste of authentic Asian home cooking right to your table — in under 30 minutes.

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Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: Asian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 370 kcal per serving

Description

Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is a quick and vibrant dish that delivers bold flavor, crisp-tender vegetables, and succulent pork in every bite. Coated in a savory, garlicky sauce with hints of soy, ginger, and sesame, this stir-fry offers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ½ cup snap peas (optional)
• ½ small onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp ½ honey or brown sugar
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp 1 cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) separately and set both aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the Pork : Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork slices in a single layer; season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove pork from the wok and set aside.
3. Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables : In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onions, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, keeping them crisp yet tender.
4. Step 4: Combine and Add Sauce : Return the cooked pork to the wok. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the pork and vegetables. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for shine and aroma.
5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve : Remove from heat and sprinkle green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Keywords: Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce