This Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish! With tender pork and fresh asparagus, it’s a colorful meal that cooks in no time.
I love how crunchy the asparagus stays after cooking. Plus, you can throw in any extra veggies you have on hand—who doesn’t love a good clean-out-the-fridge meal? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin/Loin: This is the main protein and brings lots of flavor. If you want a leaner option, try chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian twist. I’ve learned that slicing against the grain makes it tender, which is key for any meat!
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is great for crunch and color. If it’s out of season, feel free to swap it with broccoli or snap peas. I love how both add a nice crispness too!
Garlic and Ginger: These add so much flavor. You can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic if needed, but I always prefer the fresh stuff. If you don’t have ginger, you can use a bit of ground ginger instead—just use less since it’s more concentrated!
Oyster Sauce: This is optional but really adds depth to the dish. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a mushroom sauce works well. I sometimes use soy sauce and add a pinch of sugar for similar sweetness.
Hoisin Sauce: Mix it in for a sweet touch. If you don’t have it, honey or maple syrup can do the trick, though I recommend adjusting the amount to avoid it being too sweet!
How Do I Get Tender Pork in a Stir Fry?
Getting tender pork is all about how you slice and cook it. Here are some tips to ensure your pork stays juicy:
- Slice Thinly: Cut the pork into thin slices against the grain. This helps break down fibers, making it more tender when cooked.
- High Heat: Use medium-high heat so the pork cooks quickly. This prevents overcooking, which can make it tough.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your pan is too crowded, the pork might steam instead of sear, so cook in smaller batches if needed.
- Rest After Cooking: Let the pork rest for a few minutes before adding it back to the pan. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork loin, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or a pinch of sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 cup sliced onions or scallions (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal that can be ready in just under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork
Start by slicing the pork tenderloin or loin thinly against the grain. This helps ensure that the meat stays tender when cooked. Set the sliced pork aside for now.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Next, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut it into 2-inch pieces. Slice the red bell pepper thinly. Don’t forget to mince the garlic and ginger; these will add wonderful flavor to your stir fry!
3. Cook the Pork
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Add the sliced pork and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and optional onions or scallions. Stir-fry these ingredients for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
5. Add the Veggies
Now, add the trimmed asparagus and sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the vegetables are nicely coated with the garlic and ginger flavors.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked pork to the pan. Add the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce or sugar, stirring everything together to combine well.
7. Thicken the Sauce
Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork and vegetables nicely. This should take about 1 minute.
8. Season to Taste
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Don’t be shy about making it to your liking!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry is now ready to serve! Plate it hot alongside some steamed white rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this flavorful, healthy dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While asparagus and red bell pepper add great flavor and texture, you can substitute them with other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers of any color. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this stir fry vegetarian, you can replace the pork with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry it until golden before adding the vegetables. You can also use vegetable stock instead of oyster sauce for a boost of flavor!
Can I Prep the Ingredients in Advance?
Yes! You can slice the pork and veggies ahead of time, just make sure to store them separately in the fridge. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook. If you’re prepping them a day ahead, it’s best to keep the pork sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat for even heating, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm it through. Enjoy it as is or over fresh rice!
