This Pork Chop Stir Fry is a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare for a busy weeknight. Tender slices of pork are stir-fried to perfection, then combined with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli, all tossed in a savory sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. Served over a bed of rice, it’s a filling and balanced dish that everyone will love.
The best part about this stir-fry is its versatility. You can switch up the vegetables, use different cuts of pork, or even add a little spice to the sauce for an extra kick. This dish is perfect for meal prep, and it’s a quick and delicious way to get a wholesome dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless pork chops, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Stir-fry the bell pepper, onion, and broccoli for 3-5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the pork to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and vegetables.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
Pork Chop Stir Fry: A Quick, Flavorful, and Nutritious Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight dinner, this Pork Chop Stir Fry is an ideal choice. Packed with tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish combines the best of Asian-inspired cuisine with easy preparation. It’s a one-pan meal that brings bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and convenience to your dinner table. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can make it your own.
Why Pork Chop Stir Fry?
Pork stir-fry recipes are popular worldwide because of their versatility, simplicity, and depth of flavor. Pork, when thinly sliced and stir-fried, absorbs the flavors of any sauce or seasoning you throw at it, making it incredibly flavorful. In this particular recipe, the pork chops are stir-fried to a tender, juicy perfection and paired with a mixture of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli, all tossed in a savory soy-based sauce.
But why pork chops? Pork chops are a lean cut of meat that offers a great balance of protein and fat, making them both tender and full of flavor. When sliced thinly for stir-frying, they cook quickly, ensuring that dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Pork also works well with various sauces and ingredients, making it ideal for a stir-fry.
How to Make Pork Chop Stir Fry
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Prepare the Pork: Start by slicing the boneless pork chops into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the quicker they cook and the more evenly they’ll absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Stir-Fry the Pork: Heat oil in a skillet or wok, and stir-fry the pork for a few minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, set it aside while you prepare the vegetables.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same pan, stir-fry your vegetables until they are tender but still crisp. This ensures they retain their vibrant color and texture.
- Add Aromatics and Sauce: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan for a burst of flavor. Then return the pork to the pan and pour in the soy and oyster sauces. Stir everything together and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, serve your Pork Chop Stir Fry over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Health Benefits of Pork Chop Stir Fry
This recipe is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Here’s why:
- Protein: Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Each serving of this stir-fry offers a good amount of protein to help keep you full and satisfied.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in this stir-fry contribute a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C from bell peppers, folate from broccoli, and antioxidants from onions and garlic. These nutrients support immune function, promote healthy skin, and contribute to overall well-being.
- Low in Fat: Since this recipe uses lean pork chops and only a small amount of oil, it’s relatively low in fat compared to other stir-fried dishes. The cooking method ensures that you’re not adding unnecessary calories, making it a healthy option for weeknight dinners.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry
Making stir-fry may seem straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure your Pork Chop Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time:
- Preheat the Pan: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the pork or vegetables. This ensures a nice sear on the pork and helps the vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy.
- Cut Ingredients Evenly: Slice the pork and vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. This prevents overcooking or undercooking certain parts of the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying requires high heat, and overcrowding the pan can cause the ingredients to steam instead of fry. If you’re making a large batch, consider cooking the pork and vegetables in batches.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality pork make all the difference in a stir-fry. While frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch, fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste. If you prefer a saltier stir-fry, add more soy sauce. For a hint of sweetness, a teaspoon of sugar or honey can do the trick. Want it spicy? Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic paste.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about stir-fry recipes is how adaptable they are. Here are some ideas for changing up this Pork Chop Stir Fry:
- Different Meat: Don’t have pork chops on hand? No problem! You can easily swap in chicken, beef, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the pork and use tofu or tempeh instead. You can also bulk up the vegetables by adding more varieties like mushrooms, bok choy, or snap peas.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching your carb intake, skip the rice and serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add Spice: For those who love a bit of heat, throw in some sliced chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce. You can also garnish with crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Conclusion:
This Pork Chop Stir Fry is a versatile, quick, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for a nutritious and satisfying dish, this stir-fry has got you covered. The combination of tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious stir-fry, give this Pork Chop Stir Fry a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to prepare, and it just might become one of your new go-to recipes!