If you are craving a dish that is bursting with vibrant colors, tantalizing textures, and a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, the Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender pork, crisp vegetables, and crunchy peanuts all coated in a luscious sauce, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with guests, making it a versatile favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that will delight your taste buds and brighten up your plate.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami-rich base for the sauce without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, keeping everything juicy and delicious.
- 2 tablespoons minced onion: Offers a mild sweetness and extra aroma when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfectly coat the pork and vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha): Brings in a subtle heat that livens up the entire stir fry.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- 1-inch piece ginger (minced): Adds a fresh, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the pork.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty richness and finishing flair to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for cooking and ensuring everything gets a lovely sear.
- 1 pound pork tenderloin (thinly sliced): The star protein, tender and quick-cooking for perfect stir fry texture.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance every bite.
- 2 carrots (sliced into coins): Brings sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped): Adds vibrant color and freshness.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: A hearty vegetable that soaks up the sauce deliciously while retaining crispness.
- 3 cups cooked white rice: The perfect base to soak up all that wonderful sauce.
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the tender pork and vegetables.
- Chopped green onion: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and pretty garnish.
How to Make Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, minced onion, cornstarch, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl or shaking them in a jar until perfectly combined. This sauce is the heart of your Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe, bringing all the ingredients together with its rich and balanced flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin, seasoning it with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the pork is nicely browned, which locks in the juices and ensures tender meat with a delicious sear. Once done, transfer the pork to a plate to rest—this keeps it juicy and lets you focus on the vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the carrot coins and sauté for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften just slightly. Next, add the chopped bell peppers and broccoli florets. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to be tender yet still crisp, preserving their bright colors and fresh flavors that are essential in the Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and let it sizzle. Stir continuously so the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all the components. This final cooking stage ties all the flavors you have carefully built together in this delicious Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Dish the stir fry over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice. This completes the comforting yet fresh meal by absorbing the exquisite sauce and balancing the textures.
How to Serve Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped peanuts and green onion on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and a pop of fresh flavor. These garnishes not only enhance the dish’s texture but also make it look irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
While rice is the classic choice to accompany this stir fry, you can also serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side can add refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the pork and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe in individual bowls topped with a small handful of crispy fried shallots or a drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce for spice lovers. Wrapping portions inside warm lettuce leaves for a hand-held meal is another fun and fresh way to enjoy all the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked stir fry in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of some vegetables like broccoli may soften after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce and prevent dryness. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly and keep that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this stir fry?
Absolutely. While pork tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, pork shoulder or boneless pork chops cut into thin strips can also work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for peanuts in this recipe?
If you have a peanut allergy or prefer something different, toasted cashews or almonds make excellent alternatives that still provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
How spicy is this Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe?
The chili garlic sauce adds a mild to moderate heat that you can easily adjust by reducing or increasing the amount. If you prefer less spice, start with half the amount and add more after tasting.
What vegetables can I swap in or add?
Feel free to customize with vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini. The key is to use ones that cook quickly and retain some crispness to keep the stir fry vibrant and texturally interesting.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the pork for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce. The peanuts, sauce, and vegetables already pack plenty of flavor to satisfy all eaters.
Final Thoughts
The Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and ease, turning dinner into something special without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables and Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Pork Stir Fry featuring tender pork tenderloin, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet chili garlic sauce. This quick and easy stir fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, served over fluffy white rice and garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or sriracha)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (1-inch piece) ginger (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Main
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound pork tenderloin (thinly sliced)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 carrots (sliced into coins)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, chopped)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. Whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, minced onion, cornstarch, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl or shake well in a jar. Set aside to allow flavors to blend.
- Heat the skillet and oil. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the pork. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove pork to rest. Transfer the cooked pork to a plate and set aside to rest, freeing the skillet for the vegetables.
- Sauté the carrots. Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing them to begin softening while retaining some crunch.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli. Incorporate the chopped bell pepper and broccoli florets into the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp and vibrant.
- Return pork to skillet. Stir the cooked pork back into the skillet with the vegetables to combine ingredients evenly.
- Add the sauce. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork and vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer and thicken slightly for a few minutes until everything is coated and heated through.
- Serve. Spoon the stir fry over cooked white rice. Top with chopped peanuts and chopped green onions for added texture and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce salt content.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce or sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Thinly slicing the pork tenderloin helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms based on preference.
- Cook rice in advance to reduce overall meal prep time.
