Quick Pork & Vegetable Stir-Fry
This Quick Pork & Vegetable Stir-Fry is a fast, colorful, and nutrient-dense meal featuring thinly sliced pork tenderloin and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Pork:** In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork tenderloin with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
**Prepare Vegetables & Sauce:** Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Thinly slice the bell pepper and julienne the carrot. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and the remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
**Cook Pork:** Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or a 12-inch skillet over high heat until shimmering and almost smoking. Add the marinated pork in a single layer (cook in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which steams the meat instead of searing). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
**Stir-fry Aromatics & Harder Vegetables:** Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the hot wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and julienned carrots; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp.
**Add Softer Vegetables:** Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until all vegetables are vibrant and crisp-tender.
**Combine & Sauce:** Return the cooked pork to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce mixture a quick whisk to re-combine any settled cornstarch, then pour it evenly over the pork and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients.
**Finish & Serve:** Remove the wok from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tsp sesame oil. Garnish generously with sliced green onions. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**High Heat is Key:** For a true stir-fry, ensure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding ingredients. This creates a beautiful sear and prevents vegetables from becoming soggy.
- 2**Don't Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook the pork in batches if needed. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to steamed rather than stir-fried ingredients.
- 3**Prep Everything Ahead (Mise en Place):** Stir-frying is very fast, so have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and successful process.
- 4**Adjust Sweetness/Saltiness:** Taste your sauce before adding it to the wok. You can adjust the sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness to suit your preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute pork tenderloin with chicken breast or thighs, beef sirloin, or firm tofu for a different protein base. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bok choy. Add them based on their cooking times, starting with harder vegetables first.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version of the stir-fry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Pork tenderloin is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, helping to keep you feeling full.
Packed with Vitamins & Minerals
The colorful array of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots provides a wealth of vitamins (A, C, K), minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting immune function and digestive health.
Antioxidant Boost
Garlic, ginger, and many of the vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep all ingredients (slice pork, chop vegetables, mix sauce) a day in advance. Cook the stir-fry just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
