Pork and Broccoli Stir-fry
Tender pork loin and crisp broccoli florets are tossed in a vibrant, savory sauce made from fresh tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. A healthier, low-sodium take on a classic stir-fry, ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Marinate the pork
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced pork with 2 tsp of cornstarch, the black pepper, and 1 tsp of lemon juice.
- Mix well to coat each piece and set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the stir-fry sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pureed tomato, remaining 2 tsp cornstarch, remaining 1 tsp lemon juice, grated jaggery, salt, and 1/4 cup of water.
- Whisk until the cornstarch and jaggery are fully dissolved. Set aside.
Stir-fry the pork
- Heat 1 tbsp of canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the pork in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the aromatics and broccoli
- Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp of oil to the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir to coat. Pour in 3-4 tablespoons of water, cover the skillet, and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Combine and finish the stir-fry
- Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Give the stir-fry sauce a quick whisk and pour it over everything.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and broccoli.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.
Garnish and serve
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking (mise en place). Stir-frying is very fast!
- 2Slice the pork thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the pork in two batches to ensure it sears properly rather than steams.
- 4For extra tender pork, use a technique called 'velveting'. After coating in cornstarch, briefly blanch the pork in simmering water for 30-60 seconds until it just turns opaque, then drain before stir-frying.
- 5Adjust the broccoli's cooking time based on your preference. For softer broccoli, steam it for an extra minute.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the pork with 400g of firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or paneer. Marinate and cook just as you would the pork.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies or 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a spicy kick.
high proteinHigh protein
Add a handful of edamame or cashews during the last few minutes of cooking the broccoli to boost the protein content.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Pork loin is a high-quality lean protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, and supporting muscle health.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin C for immune support, Vitamin K for bone health, and fiber for digestion.
Low in Sodium
By replacing soy sauce with a homemade sauce from fresh ingredients, this recipe is significantly lower in sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Full of Natural Flavor
Fresh ginger and garlic not only add incredible flavor but also contain antioxidants and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. By using fresh ingredients and avoiding high-sodium soy sauce, it's low in sodium and packed with lean protein from pork and essential vitamins and fiber from broccoli.



